On the morning of October 7th, 2020, Oliver “Randy” Randall Carlson passed away in Helena MT, from natural causes. Randy was born on December 5th, 1946 in Great Falls, MT. He was the 6th child of Antony Victor and Anna Mae Carlson.
Randy Married Connie Faust on December 30th, 1967 at the St Gerard’s Catholic Church in Great Falls, MT. They were happily married for nearly 53 years. He served over 25 years in the Montana Air National Guard, he received he bachelor’s degree from the University of Montana in Social Studies teaching and Sociology and then went on to receive his master’s in administration. Randy was a long-time educator for the Helena school district #1. He started his teaching career in 1970 at Sunhaven high school. When Sunhaven transitioned to Capital High, Randy was a founding member of the faculty and staff. Continuing his career for 40 years as a Social studies teacher, Coach, Vice Principal and Principal, Randy touched thousands of lives in our community.
Randy was also a founding member of the Helena Optimists Club, and truly believed and lived by the Optimists Creed. “Promise yourself – To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievement of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large to worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Randy loved spending time with his family, sports, golf, reading and learning. Randy lived a great life, he cared deeply for his family, and he loved another with all his heart and soul. Through both small and simple, as well as great acts of kindness, he showed the world how extraordinary he was.
Randy is survived by his wife, Connie Carlson of Helena; Daughter Kristin (Blake) Hall of Idaho, Son Brett (Krissy) Carlson also of Helena; Sister Neva (Larry) Passage of Helena, Brother Terry (Shirley) Carlson of Great Falls; and Grandchildren, Austin, Peyton, Carter, Jackson, Grace and Samantha. Randy is Proceeded in Death by Parents, Anthony Victor and Anna Mae Carlson; brothers Gene and Tony Carlson and sister MaryAnne Butler.
A Celebration of life will be held in early summer 2021 when we can all safely gather together. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Randy.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Mike Jackson says
Randy and Connie have been special friends since 7th Grade at Paris Gibson Jr Hi. I was honored to stand with them as their ‘best man’ in a wedding that began a Lifelong partnership of love, trust, and unwavering support. Randy’s passion for commitment is demonstrated not only in his 53 year devotion to his family, but also in his nearly 50 years of tireless contribution to education, coaching, and mentoring kids and teachers. Randy and I joined the Montana Air National Guard together in 1969, serving over 25 years with his special talents. He was equally committed to his lifetime of friends throughout the state. Randy will be noticeably missed, but his honor and memory will always be engraved in our minds. Go in peace my amazing friend.
Stacy Baird says
Connie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. Randy was an amazing human with a gentle soul! He will be missed. I’ve enjoyed hearing all his stories the past few years and the love that he has for his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Pat and Fred Verzani says
Connie and family,
We were saddened to hear of Randy’s passing. He was a true blessing to all those whose paths he crossed.
We lost a true Optimist. He lived by the creed of Optimism each and every day. He will sorely be missed. It was always a delight to be around him.
Our sincere sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please reach out if there is anything we can help with. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful man with us. He will always be remembered.
Sandi Meyers says
Connie and family
I am so very sorry to hear about Randy. He was a very kind,caring man and a huge asset to the community of Helena. He always had a smile and nothing but kind words whenever I saw the two of you. Take care Connie . All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Amanda Plona says
He changed my life when he gave me my first teaching job, and then changed my teaching with his wise mentoring. We’ll all miss him.
Janet Erickson says
Dear Connie, Kristin, and Brett,
I just heard of Randy’s passing during virtual worship this morning. I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of a gentle, loving human being such as Randy was. I pray that the Holy Spirit will surround you with love, support, and the peace that passes understanding as you celebrate Randy’s wonderful life of giving to others and touching their lives. Connie, I will always remember our time serving together on the Education Committee at ORLC and teaching together at C.R. Anderson.
Much love! 💖🙏
Janet Erickson
Candice Wagner says
Dear Connie & family,
My heart and my prayers go out to you all. Randy was such a neat guy & I always thought the world of him. I know he’ll be terribly missed. Athletically gifted (among so many other things), he was never conceited or full of himself, just so very kind and caring to everyone. You will be in my prayers every day in these days when missing Randy will be most severe. May the Holy Spirit, Our Comforter, wrap his arms around you all and keep you in the peace that passes all understanding.
Janet Gemberling Ferjo says
Dear Connie & family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your dear husband and father. Randy (along with you, Connie) was among my favorite classmates at Paris Gibson Jr high and GFHS. He will be missed by many.
Bill Coddington says
Dear Connie and family. We are so sorry to read of Randy’s passing. I taught with him at Sunhaven/Capital for five years and I thought he was one of the most gentle patient and kindest person I have ever known. He was a blessing to thousands of young life’s he touched. We’re so sorry.
Bill & Judy Coddington
Kristin Basinger says
Connie, Kristi & Brett, my thoughts and prayers go out to you as you mourn the loss of Randy (your husband Connie of 53 years and to think you were Jr High sweethearts, and your father Kristi & Brett.) Connie both you and Randy lived the Optimist’s Creed, always happy and kind and willing to serve others. Randy certainly had a gentle spirit and touched many lives throughout his time in Education. It was always a pleasure to be around the two of you. Cherish all the memories you have of Randy, he was a great man. I pray that the Lord will bless you with the strength, love and support you need during this sad time. Take Care and if you ever need anything even if it’s just someone to talk to I’ll be there. Love Kris Basinger
Judy Griffith says
Dear Connie and family, I send my heartfelt care and healing wishes to all of you in this difficult time. I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Randy for over 25 years. He embraced the essence of the Optimist Creed and made a positive difference in the world around him and beyond. Randy encouraged, supported and changed the lives of countless young people. His legacy will live on through them for decades and generations to come.
Judy Griffith
Barbara Robertson says
Dear Connie and Family,
We were so saddened to read about Randy’s passing. He was such a wonderful person and a great asset to our community. I was with Randy at Capital High School for 20 years and enjoyed his friendship there. He will be missed by so many but know he left such wonderful memories with so many.
Barb and Duane Robertson
Patty white says
Dear Connie I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s death! I loved seeing you two going for a walk holding hands! Such sweet,kind,caring love for each other! He was a wonderful man and inspirational mentor and educator! He helped 1000 of students and teachers, and our whole community!
Pat Mandeville says
Dear Connie and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. I was thinking of him just a couple of days previous and wondering how he was doing. I worked with Randy for 25 years, and always found him to be positive and helpful. He was a good friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken Dunham & Janelle Fallan says
Our prayers to all of you. Randy and I were Optimists together and friends those many years ago in Helena.
Mike DeMarco says
Connie and family
I am so sad to learn of Randy’s passing. We were friends all through school in Great Falls and managed to see each other at Optimist functions. I was truly touched with the Optimist Creed in the obituary. He did indeed believe and live it. My prayers and thoughts are with you and family at this difficult time.
Ken & Brenda Price says
The Optimists Creed so well describes Randy. He truly lived and believed every principle of this caring, kind doctrine. Even as his health declined he still lived and verbalized only kind and caring thoughts – often given with a terrific sense of humor.
We feel very lucky to have been one of Randy’s many friends. Sending love and hugs to Randy’s family. He always spoke of all of you with love and positivity.
Alan W Harbaugh says
A peaceful rest to you coach You were a good man
Karleen Hanson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I don’t think anyone who knew Randy (Mr. Carlson) didn’t like him. When my high school sweetheart and I would smooch outside his classroom, he’d give us a bad time. That was about 35 years ago and our kids went to CHS! They were lucky enough to know Mr. Carlson too. Three of my grandkids have been part of Aunt Krissy and Uncle Brett’s house since birth. My heart is aching for you all. Randy Carlson was such a wonderful person. In a word Quality! My deepest sympathy.
Bob Adams says
Connie and family,
Randy’s passing is not only your personal loss, but one for the extended community. His legions of students will remember him warmly. And I am personally thankful for his patient mentoring of me as a first-year history teacher at Capital High so many years ago. …And for his friendship and support in the time beyond that first difficult year, as well! He wanted his students to see viewpoints beyond dry textbooks and to explore ideas that challenged their past experience and perhaps comfort level. He coached me, by his example, to try similar approaches in the class room. He was caring, compassionate and as many have noted, a person of great good humor.
My thoughts are with you in thinking of your, and all of our, loss. The world was a better place for Randy’s presence.
Terri Hune Purcell says
Connie, I’m so sorry to learn of this just now’.
I hope you and your family will know how much
Coach Carlson influenced the lives of so many of his
Students as well as the airmen of the MT Air National Guard! Not only did I have the privilege of being
A student & cheerleader at Capital High and a Soldier
In the MT National Guard serving with Randy but I also
Was your. Next-door neighbor! I know he will be missed.
You will be in my prayers! Hope to see you next time I’m in Helena. Blessings to you ❤️ 🙏 Love, Terri (Hume) Purcell