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Edward Carson Obituary

Edward Mansfield Carson November 6, 1929 - March 12, 2010 Ed was a treasured Father, Grandfather, Brother & friend to all. He was born in Tucson, Arizona then moved to Peoria, AZ where he attended Peoria High School. He attended his beloved ASU and was President of the student body. He went on to earn his Masters Degree in Banking from the Stonier Graduate school of Banking. Ed started his illustrious career with then First National Bank as their first trainee beginning as a teller in 1951. In 1973 he was promoted to COO & Director then elected President & CEO in 1977. In 1985 he was elected President of First Interstate Bancorp in Los Angeles and Chairman & CEO in 1990. Ed's record of service to both Phoenix & Los Angeles was extraordinary. He served on many local & national boards including Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Autry National Center, Music Center of Los Angeles, Phoenix Art Museum, Phoenix Symphony, Schuff Steel, Automobile Club of Southern California, Claremont School of Theology, YMCA and was a Phoenix Thunderbird. The Carson name was synonymous with philanthropy. He was extremely generous in both Phoenix & Los Angeles. Among his many honors are NAACP Image Award, Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver & Good Scout awards, Distinguished Citizen award from The Rotary Club of LA, Distinguished Alumni Award ASU & Stonier Graduate School, Emmett Award 100 Club, Albert Schweitzer Leadership Award, SALLY Award Salvation Army, USC School of Music Dickens Medal of Honor, Children's Burn Foundation "Giving New Hope" Award, AZ Board of Regents "Outstanding Service to Higher Education" Award, Music Center of LA County, Heritage Award & Doctor of Humane Letters from ASU. There wasn't a finer, more generous, kind and beloved man. Married to the love of his life, Nadine, for 54 years until her death in 2007. Courageous to the end, always thinking of others he died peacefully in his home in Beverly Hills with his children by his side. Ed is preceded in death by his wife Nadine and survived by his daughter Dawn (Erston) Senger, son Tod, Grandchildren Katie & Eddie Masters, Sisters Earline (Herb) Aguayo and Lucille Allen, sister-in-law Janet (Martyn) Stowe, and long time friend and companion Molly Campbell. At Ed's request, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to ASU Foundation, Edward Carson Leadership Scholarship, PO Box 2260, Tempe AZ 85280-2260. Services will be held at The First United Methodist Church at Central & Missouri on Friday, March 19th at 10:30am with reception to follow at Paradise Valley Country Club.

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Mar. 16 to Mar. 19, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Carson

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Cathie McCormick

March 27, 2010

Dawn, I just found out about your Dad and wanted to send my condolences. I know how hard it is. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Cathie

John Mansfield

March 21, 2010

Ed was my first cousin. He was named after my father, Edward S. Mansfield. I didn't know him well due to living in the Chicago area. I do remember going with my parents to Arizona in 1960 and going to his bank. All my dad could say is "look how big his office is!" Needless to say, my dad was very proud of his nephew. My heart goes out to Dawn and Todd. Your second cousin, John Edward Mansfield

Melanie Norton

March 21, 2010

Ed Carson was one of the most loving and caring men I have ever known. He was so devoted to his family and friends. Such a gentle sole. Always had a smile on his face and very welcoming. He was my best best friends father and I was lucky enough to know him for many years. I love him and will never forget him. My love and prayers go to the family. Melanie

Walker "Dub" McGaughey

March 18, 2010

My prayers go out to the family of Ed Carson. He was one of the most highly respected men I have ever known.

Ed was my first boss, when I started to work at First Naional Bank of Arizona in 1956. I followed his career until I retired after almost 40 years from, then, First Interstate Bank and even beyond,as he remained with the company. This was just prior to the merger with Wells Fargo Bank.

Though his career with the bank reached far loftier heights than mine, Ed never forgot that he came up through the ranks from a teller to the CEO of the parent corporation. His guidance brought the bank through some very tough times. Thanks to Ed's continued work for his people, I was able to take early retirement at age 57.

In all the years after he was gone from Arizona he would often return to where his roots were. I don't think he ever forgot a name. After all the years passed, he would still greet you by your first name or nick name and ask about the family or some other personal thing. To so many people in the business world he was Mr. Ed Carson. To all of his old friends, no matter their position within the bank, he was just plain Ed. He made you feel so comfortable around him, to be on a first name basis with the most respected man in the company. Like so many others, I will miss him and never forget him.

March 18, 2010

Our heartfelt condolences to Dawn, Tod and all of Ed's family and friends. I first met Nadine and Ed a few years ago, when helping them set up a fund to enable outstanding Lincoln Northeast High School (Nadine's almma mater) math students to attend summer math camps. Nadine and Ed's generosity has continued to help many students build very successful careers. In every conversation with Nadine or Ed, I knew I was in the light of 2 very respectful, kind and altruistic people. They continue to be an example to me, and are greatly missed.
Ruth Gerber, Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools, Lincoln NE

Debra Stone

March 17, 2010

A truly great man....that is just as simple as it is.....Debra Stone

March 17, 2010

My condolences to Mr Carson's family! He was such a caring person and a great boss. I worked for him when Southern Arizona Bank in Tucson became First National, then First Interstate. I especially remember one time that especially stands out of his gracious humor. We were celebrating our 1st year of having ATM's and the Tucson group entertained the large crowd in Phoenix at an evening dinner. We roasted all the banks' executives with poems. 'Mr Carson we've saved for last. As our President he sure has class. It's easy to see why he's our V. I. P.... but why does he talk so darn fast'!! Mr Carson laughed and laughed........what a wonderful example he set for all his employees. He truly had grace and empathy for everyone. Beverly Martz Andrews, Eugene Oregon

March 17, 2010

My condolences to Mr Carson's family! He was such a caring person and a great boss. I worked for him when the bank in Tucson became First National, then First Interstate. I especially remember one time that stands out of his gracious humor. We were celebrating our 1st year of having ATM's and the Tucson group entertained the large crowd in Phoenix at an evening dinner. We roasted all the banks' executives with poems. 'Mr Carson we've saved for last. As our President he sure has class. It's easy to see....why he's our V. I. P.........but why does he talk so damn fast'!! Mr Carson laughed and laughed........what a wonderful example he set for all his employees. He truly had grace and empathy for everyone. Beverly Martz Andrews, Eugene Oregon

Carole Lowe Beath

March 17, 2010

I transferred from First National Bank in Flagstaff to FNB on Central Avenue in April 1959. I was just a 21 year old mortgage lending employee but whenever Mr. Carson was walking down the same hallway, he always nodded his head and said hello. I was greatly impressed by Ed Carson and he was very respected by everyone.

March 17, 2010

My prayers and my thoughts go out to Ed's family. Dawn, I remember you coming into the branch at Greenway and Tatum. I remember how impressed I was by your father all the years I worked at First National/First Interstate. I now live in Ohio but my ties to Phoenix are very close to my heart.

Martha Cook

Charlie Buchta

March 17, 2010

My condolences to Ed’s family, close friends and community. My window into Ed’s career and persona was very small and was opened on only a few occasions. But when it was, I personally found him to be forthright, honest, unpretentious, decisive and resolute. I respected that. His instruction and advice was given with directness and grace. He lead without fanfare and set a fine example as man of character and caring. After reading his obituary, I now know that I hardly new the complete Ed Carson. Remarkable. Today’s business world, especially banking, needs more Ed Carsons. He is a loss to humankind.

Doug Metzger

March 16, 2010

My prayers go out to Ed's family, he was a truly great gentleman.

Having met him in the early 80's in a private setting, he made a great and lasting impression on me. Joining First Interstate years later, I was honored to be in his company again, realizing more so that he was genuinely a people person, and a very caring individual.

I truly believe we are all better people for having met Ed Carson.

March 16, 2010

To the most gracious leader I have ever met or had the pleasure to work with. He was a friend, boss, and all around special person. His grace and compassion were above all others. Dawn and Todd, my condolences and parayers to you both on the loss of your father.
Sue Lauriski Bryan

David White

March 16, 2010

In my years working for and later consulting to the Bancorp and its major subsidiaries, I encountered a wide variety of personalities and wide-ranging levels of leadership skills among its upper echelon. Of all, Edward Carson was the one who commanded the greatest respect.

People admired, followed, and did their best for this fine gentleman not because they feared him, but because they respected him. Moreover, his aura of genuine kindness, good faith, and fair dealing caused many to truly care about him through the tough decisions necessitated by tough times.

So here's to you, Mr. Carson, and thank you for your memorable and exemplary leadership.

Mark Weiss

March 16, 2010

I worked at 1st National Bank for a couple of years in the '70s and for 1st Interstate for 10 years in the 80s. Ed was always "Ed" -- from the first time I met him in the elevator. "Mr. Carson" was for those who didn't know him. He was cordial, always smiling . . . a great man to be at the helm. I knew he was involved with the community -- especially ASU --but never realized how much. Sad to hear . . .

Ann Pfaffl

March 16, 2010

Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Dawn and Tod, as well as the rest of Ed's family. I know his kind presence will be greatly missed by you all. Ann & John Pfaffl

Bobbie Knorr

March 16, 2010

I am grateful to Mr. Carson who went out of his way to help me obtain medical insurance benefits following the death of my husband while employed by Wells Fargo Bank. My husband always had great respect for Mr. Carson as do I.

Richard Barkhurst

March 16, 2010

Ed's quiet leadership helped his many friends at First Interstate recover from some pretty turbulent times. Too bad there aren't more Ed Carsons in today's turbulent times!

Claudia Camarillo

March 16, 2010

I worked for Western Bancorporation and First Interstate Bancorp in LA off and on from 1974 until 1989 and part of that time was while Mr. Carson was president. He was a genuine, kind, generous man who made a hugely positive and lasting impression on me and so many others.
May he always be remembered in and beyond the banking world as the standard for good business and good living. Thank you, Mr. Carson ...

March 16, 2010

Ed achieved much, and gave back even more. Not only on the grand scale as a leader, but also in his one and one encounters with people. He was always present, honest, respectful,compassionate and supportive of others. He was that way with me. It seemed to come naturally from a place deep within him. Whether he was he was upset or pleased with something I had done, I always felt that he had my best interests in mind as we interacted. I have missed him and thought of him often for nearly 20 years. I think of him now with heartfelt love. My love and support go out to Dawn and Tod and all those like me who have been graced to have crossed paths with Ed Carson. Mark Dinunzio

mark Dinunzio

March 16, 2010

Ed achieved much, and gave back even more. Not only on the grand scale as a leader, but also in his one and one encounters with people. He was always present, honest, respectful,compassionate and supportive of others. He was that way with me. It seemed to come naturally from a place deep within him. Whether he was he was upset or pleased with something I had done, I always felt that he had my best interests in mind as we interacted. I have missed him and thought of him often for nearly 20 years. I think of him now with heartfelt love. My love and support go out to Dawn and Tod and all those like me who have been graced to have crossed paths with Ed Carson. Mark Dinunzio

Linda Wilber

March 16, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I began with the then "First National Bank of AZ" in 1975 and remember Mr. Carson with nothing but fond memories. He was always kind and genuine.

LB

March 15, 2010

To the Carson family may " the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort who comforts us in all our tribulation" comfort you and may your memories of Edward bring a smile as you share them with all that loved him.--2 Corinthians. 1:3-4a.

Lynn Reaser

March 14, 2010

My sincere condolences to all of Ed Carson's family. As Chairman and CEO of First Interstate Bancorp, he displayed wonderful leadership as well as respect and kindness to all of the employees. I am personally extremely grateful for all of the guidance and support he provided me in my career. Please know how fondly he will be remembered by all of us.

Kindest regards,

Kristie Krause (Hoover)

March 14, 2010

Dawn, I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I remember your mom and dad (from our high school days) and they were great people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Karolyn Burton

March 14, 2010

Ed Carson was the kindest, most caring man I have ever met. I have admired him always not only for the man he was but also for the love and tenderness he showed my dear life long friend, his wife Nadine.
May he rest in peace.
My love and prayers to Dawn and Todd and all of the family he loved so much.

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