David Hall Carlander

1959 - 2018

CARLANDER, David Hall David Hall Carlander, 59, of Austin TX, passed away early in the morning of December 6, 2018 after a two-and-a-half-year fight with cancer. David passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by family. David was born the youngest of five children in Minneapolis, MN on October 19th, 1959 and was raised in Edina, MN. David had a great sense of humor and many in MN still call him by his childhood nickname "Cards." David holds a BBA from The University of Dallas, and an MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University. David settled into a career in marketing, most recently at Dell. In 1990, David met Karen Aalund once - briefly - in Dallas TX. They both worked in the music business. Months later, after each of them had been transferred to Atlanta GA, they bumped into each other at a "smooth jazz" concert. From then on they were inseparable and married on July 4th, 1993. They eventually settled in Austin and raised three beautiful girls, Chloe, Ella, and Claire. This summer they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. David loved the outdoors. He had a special affinity with Estes Park CO and the Rocky Mountains. During his cancer conflict, David retreated to Estes Park many times, especially to escape the Texas summer heat. This past fall, David and Karen went to Acadia National Park for their first "empty nest" trip. David was diagnosed with cancer on July 1st, 2016, with a prognosis of 18 months. He considered each extra day a victory. He told his oncologist to put one in the "win column." We are grateful for the many medical professionals that made this extra time possible. In his last few days, Dave continued to make his family laugh and described himself as "a happy man." In a conversation with his priest, Morgan Allen, David asked for prayers of love and peace. David will continue to be loved, missed, and remembered by those whose lives were touched by his compassion, sincerity, and humor. David was preceded in death by his parents, Mabel Anne McConnell and Lester William Carlander, sister, Kristin Carlander, and brother, L. William Carlander. David is survived by his wife, Karen Aalund Carlander, daughters, Claire, Ella, and Chloe, son in law, Corin Wagen, sister, Carol Currie and husband Dean, brother, Craig Carlander and wife Kim, and many nieces and nephews. Karen and the girls are incredibly touched and eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support from family, neighbors, and friends. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 2nd in Austin at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd at 2 p.m. Reception immediately following. David requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Liberal Arts and Science Academy (www.lasafoundation.org) or the National Parks Foundation.