Kurt Carlson

1975 - 2017

Carlson, Kurt
Kurt Carlson, 42, of Mesa, AZ. was killed Monday, August 14, 2017 in a tragic motorcycle accident while on vacation in Eastern Washington. Kurt was born on April 29, 1975 in Seattle, Washington to his parents Jack and Barbara Carlson. He was raised in Bellevue, Washington and attended Interlake High School and Central Washington University in Ellensburg. He was an expert skier and served on the ski patrol on Snoqualmie Pass as soon as he was old enough and all through college. Kurt stayed in Ellensburg after college and joined the Kittitas County Sheriff's Department Reserves. He was working as a deputy when he met the love of his life. It only took one ski trip for them both to know that they wanted to be together forever and a month after they met, he packed up everything and moved to Arizona with her. They were married less than a year later and are the parents of two great kids. Kurt was a 17 ½ year veteran of the Mesa Police Department. During his tenure he served as a patrol officer, Mesa Family Advocacy Center Detective and since 2007, he was assigned to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (PMGA). Kurt was the Unit trainer for the Airport Unit and trained every current member on airfield driving and airport familiarity. He rode his first motorcycle at four years old and loved to ride, build, fix and construct anything that needed it. Kurt was an easy-going, patient, loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, friend, and neighbor who will be deeply missed. He will be remembered for his kind heart, his love for his wife and children, and service towards others. He is survived by his wife, two children, his parents, a sister and brother-in-law and a niece. In accordance with Kurt's wishes, he has been cremated. His urn will be present for a viewing during a celebration of life to be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10:00am at the Mesa Police Department Training Facility at 3260 N. 40th Street, Mesa, AZ 85207. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be greatly appreciated to help with his children's further education costs. Donations may be made at any Desert Schools Credit Union under the account Kurt Carlson Children's Education Fund account #14006856770001 or online at https://www.gofundme.com/caring-for-the-carlsons