Lee Sterling Carlson

1926 - 2015

Lee Sterling Carlson was born August 10, 1926, at his family's home on the southwest corner of 104th and Washington Street to Elsa Otilla and Harry Frederick Carlson. He was the sixth and last surviving sibling of ten children - Alvin Stanley, Harry William, Ivan Frederick, Doris Elenor, Willmer Lloyd, Lee Sterling, Leona Dorothy, Roy Harvey, Frank Howard, and Richard Raymond. Lee was the twin brother of his sister Leona.
Raised on a farm north of Denver in what is now Northglenn and Thornton, Lee experienced the Great Depression and the "dirty thirties" as a child. He grew up working the family farm with his dad and brothers. He became very familiar with the blessings of hard work and family, and these became the foundation upon which he raised his own family.
Lee was drafted into the Army in April 1945 to serve in Korea until September 1946. On the journey there, the troops were asked if anyone knew how to type. Lee volunteered, and he quickly learned to type well (even though he only used two fingers). He said he figured that typing was better than shooting.
Upon returning home from the war, he and his brother Roy used the GI bill to attend Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He would take the same classes as Roy so that they could share books. Each weekend, he returned home to work the farm with his dad. Lee graduated in 1950.
While at college, he was introduced to Shirley Elizabeth Weathers. She was the most beautiful and energetic person that anyone could ever want for a wife. They had an extended 5-year courtship. During that time, they became National Square Dance Champions together. They were married on June 2, 1951.
With encouragement from his father, Lee and Shirley purchased the home place on 100th & York Street. The story goes that Lee's father was encouraging the purchase of the 160 acres and Lee said, "Dad, I don't have any money to buy this farm," and Grandpa Harry told him, "Well, you don't have anything to lose then." The rest is history.
Lee and Shirley swiftly found themselves in both the dairy and baby businesses - soon they had 140 cows, a herd of children, and the hope of a monthly check. Later Lee would say, "After 10 days with the cows, I knew I had made a mistake." It took 10 years to get rid of those cows. We are all grateful that he liked children better than cows.
Lee and Shirley have 7 children: Craig Carlson, Clarke Carlson, Lisa Thornton, Clay Carlson, Scott Carlson, Linnea Young & Kent Carlson, all of Adams County. There are 34 grandchildren and currently 46 great-grandchildren. Together with husbands, wives and children, there are 110 members of the Carlson Family tree with new additions every year.
After the cows were sold, Lee obtained his real estate license and worked for Regal Realty, and he soon purchased the company. He learned that his experience in farming was very helpful in selling and purchasing farm property. Later, as sons joined him, Regal Realty became Carlson Associates, specializing in land and land entitlements. Over the years, Lee was able to work with all of his sons, sons-in-law, and many grandchildren in the business. One of the most fulfilling things in his life was to be able to work on a daily basis with his family. Land was in his character, and as his father did, he encouraged his children to learn about and invest in land.
Lee has been an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) and has served in many callings throughout the years including Bishop, Patriarch, Temple President and Missionary for Church Philanthropies. He has influenced the lives of many through his service in the Church and community.
Lee was one of the founding members of Community Bank which is now Bank of the West on 120th & Washington Street. He also served a term as President of the Union Rural Electrification Association in Brighton, Colorado and the Colorado Union Rural Electrification Association.
Lee supported the Adams 12 Education Foundation and served as one of the founding board members working to raise scholarships for students willing to come back and teach in District 12. He started with garage sales and ended with the annual District 12 Gala. He also served on the board for Adams County Alternatives to Family Violence.
Lee also was involved in the support of Brigham Young University. All of his children attended BYU and he adopted it as his own, setting a scholarship foundation for students wanting to attend BYU. He was an avid fan of the University.
Lee always said the most precious things in the world were his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He lived his life putting them first, in thought, action and in deeds. As Shirley says, "What really matters now is reliving our memories, dreaming our dreams together, now and for the eternities."
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday January 17, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 East Malley Street, Northglenn CO 80233. Viewing and mingle with the family will be at 10:00 AM at the same location.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Adams 12 Five Star Education Foundation, of which Lee was a founding board member. Donations can be made in memory of Lee Carlson at www.coloradogives.org/5starfoundation.