EDGAR CARLSON

Edgar S. Carlson Sept. 27, 1917-May 29, 2012 Edgar Stanley Carlson passed away on May 29 in San Diego. He had been living there for the past year to be near his granddaughters. A long time resident of Ponderosa Basin, Ed built his beloved redwood octagon house on Harris Road as his retirement project. "Captain Ed" was a retired Panama Canal pilot, and San Francisco Bar pilot. His love of the sea began as a young man. A veteran of World War II, he was captain of a Liberty ship in the Merchant Marines. He later served in the U.S. Coast Guard before moving to Panama, and finally returning to the Bay Area as a bar pilot. Ed loved Yosemite Valley where he visited as a boy growing up in Hayward. He was an avid conservationist and loved all wildlife. He was a member of the Sierra Club, supporter of Save the Redwoods, and Guide Dogs for the Blind. Ed also served as a volunteer fireman in Ponderosa Basin. He was a great outdoorsman and loved to hike, camp, and bike. He was still running and biking in local races well into his 80's. Edgar started college later in life after his marriage to his wife Lorraine, and the birth of his three children. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in animal husbandry. He later established a scholarship program there. "Grandpoppy" leaves in sorrow his beloved seven grandchildren: Kristin and Sarah Andersen, Eric, Scott, and Ariel Carlson, Heather and Emily Carlson. He also leaves behind his sons, Jim and Jon Carlson; and daughter, Jan Blackmon. Ed will be best remembered by his family and friends for his love and strong conviction for the preservation of Yosemite and its beauty. A memorial service has been planned for August 10th, 12:30pm at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.