IVAN CARLSON SR.

1935 - 2013

Ivan was born July 13, 1935, in Mount Vernon, Washington to John "Bert" and Sarah Carlson.

On Dec. 6, 2013, while surrounded by his loving family, Ivan went home to be with the Lord.

He graduated from La Conner High School in 1953 and joined the Air Force immediately after graduating.

Ivan and Elaine Harris were united in marriage on August 12, 1955. As newlyweds, Ivan and Elaine welcomed Elaine's 15-year-old brother, Jim, into their home where he lived throughout high school.

Ivan spent his working career on the water. He built boats for Skagit Plastics, worked on tug boats for Dunlap Towing, was a commercial fisherman in Alaska, worked in Marine Construction and ultimately retired as an Operating Engineer.

After retirement, Ivan loved spending summers with Elaine, traveling and gold-prospecting on the rivers throughout the Western States, then returning home in the fall to spend time with his kids and grandkids.

Ivan was a devout Christian. He really enjoyed the 6 a.m. Saturday morning Men's Meetings, which met in his shop for more than 20 years. For the past several years, he belonged to a Christian men's group that meet monthly for breakfast and fellowship.

He served his community as a volunteer fireman for decades. Ivan helped start the local little league baseball program and coached for many years. He was passionate about helping those less fortunate.

Ivan was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and son. His kids and grandkids treasured his bear hugs.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Sarah Carlson, Brother Bert and Sister Betty, Sister Ruth and brother-in-law Joel Palm, and grandson Billy Elder.

Ivan is survived by his wife, Elaine, seven children, Rhonda (Dave) Cookson, Teresa Carlson, Ivan (Tereasa), Suzy Lowry, John (Terri), Sandra (Dave) McCormick, and Barbara (Bob) Crawford, all residing in Skagit County. Ivan is also survived by twenty five grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren as well as a large extended family of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and his faithful dog, Max.

Services will be held Thursday, Dec 12th at 1:00pm at Faith Baptist Church, 800 East Rio Vista Ave, Burlington, Washington 98233. Graveside services and a reception will follow at Hawthorne Memorial Park at 1825 East College Way, Mount Vernon Washington 98273.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Please share your thoughts of Ivan and sign the online guest register at www.hawthornefh.com.