Brad Carlquist Obituary

Brad Carlquist

Brad passed away at his home December 5, 2015 of a brain tumor that he had battled for 18 months. He was 63 years old and throughout his entire life was passionate about nature, wildlife and environmental causes. His happiest times were spent camping and hiking in the mountains and as a park ranger in several National Parks in Alaska including Katmai where he worked and loved watching the bears catch salmon. He worked at Discovery Park, Carkeek and most recently at the Ballard Locks as a naturalist. Brad leaves behind his longtime partner, Cathy Dunnington; sisters: Jana (Jerry), Linda, Lori (Dave); 3 nephews and extended family. We will all miss his enthusiasm for life.

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Published by The Seattle Times on Dec. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Brad Carlquist

Sponsored by The Family.

7 Entries

Brook Leiphart

June 24, 2017

I met Brad in the early summer of 1975 when he was working at Craters of the Moon Park in Idaho. He was on his day off and camping at the trail head of Mt. Borah, the highest mountain in Idaho. I drove in after dark and parked next to him. We were the only two people at the trail head to hike up Mt. Borah the next day. He said he had an alarm clock, so he would wake me up early in the morning. I slept in the back of my truck. He woke me up before sunrise and said he would cook us up some eggs for our breakfast. What a delight for me to have someone cook a hot breakfast for me. Before we got on the trail, three other guys drove in and hiked up Borah before us. We caught up to them right after "Chicken out" ridge. The 3 of them were roped up together and quite tired. We passed them and waited for them on the summit. It never occurred to us to bring a rope. I believe we both had crampons and ice axes. Luckily the weather was warm and sunny and the snow was soft on Chicken out ridge so we could kick steps in the snow without having to use our crampons. We had a perfect summit day!!! After our hike down, I offered to buy Brad dinner since he cooked breakfast. We drove south to Mackey to have dinner. After dinner he drove back to Craters of the Moon and I drove north to Alaska for the summer to hike Mt. McKinley. (I believe I was one year younger than Brad. I had just graduated form college in New Hampshire and was spending my summer driving to Alaska and hiking state highpoints along the way). I was glad to meet Brad and hike a mountain with him. We exchanged Christmas cards that year and I believe that was the last time I heard from him.
I was cleaning out my house (summer 2017) in hopes to rent it out next summer when I retire at age 65. I found his Christmas card to me (from 1975. He drew a mountain landscape on the card and envelope. He signed off with "MTS. Forever (if we don't Destroy...).
God bless you Brad. Sorry I did not clean out my home 2 years ago while you were still here and I could have sent you this note. I'll hike with you again when I get up there with you.
P.S. I finished hiking all of the 50 USA state highpoints on 7-7-2002. Our summit day together on Borah was one of the best!!! Maybe it was one of the reasons I settled in Idaho from back east!

Thanks,

Brook "Trout" Leiphart, PO Box 445, Sun Valley, ID 83353
(Cathy-I would love to meet you some day. Please come visit me and my wife some day. We have a great guest room).

July 3, 2016

The world is less one good guy. Brad introduced us to Hawaii and we had many subsequent visits flavored by his enthusiasm for the outdoors. I recall him finding his rental car keys in the sand and surf. He returned them to the beach and headed back to the water saying he was going back to look for keys to a Porsche!! To the family and friends he left behind, we will treasure the smiles and memories and our fortune that he enriched our lives so. Michael and Connie

May 15, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Brad's passing. I knew him at Ingraham High School, where we were both members of the cross country team. He was always a very kind and respectful person and a joy to be around. I send my prayers and condolences to his family and those closest to him.

Catherine Anstett

February 21, 2016

I am so surprised and saddened to hear of Brad's illness and death. I also worked with Brad at Seattle Parks. He was always enthusiastic, friendly and helpful, whether it was saving salmon in Pipers Creek, developing a plan for Seattle's urban wildlife or preserving and restoring habitat. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.

January 3, 2016

I was so sad and surprised to hear of Brad's passing. I worked very closely with Brad for 7 years when we both worked at Discovery Park and then he continued at Carkeek. He was a fierce defender of the parks and one of the hardest and most enthusiastic workers. My husband, Walter Brodie, went to Western with him. We both send our condolences to Brad's family and friends.
Linda Versage
Bow, WA

Bill Goodall

December 31, 2015

I was deeply saddened to hear of Brad's passing. We grew up in the same neighborhood, on the very edge of Carkeek Park, and were classmates. I have fond memories of our families working together to build the community pool there.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love and memories you shared.
Respectfully,
Bill Goodall
Monroe, WA

Jerry Lynch

December 14, 2015

I knew Craig when he worked at the Locks. He was a much respected naturalist and guide.
I talked with him often and found him to always be pleasant and congenial.
My condolences,
Jerry Lynch

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