Rod Carlson

1943 - 2024

Rod Carlson, 81, calmly passed from us on Dec.24. After a 2 week hospital stay, he returned to Gooding for hospice care, succumbing to liver failure in a month.

Born in Pocatello, Feb. 22,1943 to Earl and Isabel Carlson; he added strength and energy as the third of five children. Their time at the family cabin and with relatives near Carey were often referred to by Rod. Early on alpine skiing became a major part of his life, even earning him a separate ski picture in the high school yearbook!

After graduation from Pocatello High in 1961, he skied Sun Valley working for Union Pacific at the Continental. This gave him a great introduction to famous celebrities! Returning after that winter Rod spent the next few decades working in the family business at Mr. C's, teaching skiing at Skyline (Pebble Creek), Scott's Ski Shop, selling to mines, farming and raising his three children. A cherished highlight was family ski team racing at the national level and succeeding. River rafting became a favorite fun summer venture and later filled his log with many stories to tell.

In the mid 1990's, he made it back to the Wood River Valley, joining friends and easily meeting many fun and special people. He truly embraced connecting with strangers, often making them laugh or even finding a Pocatello link. Skiing of course, remained a huge priority in his life near Baldy. Driving the resort shuttle bus and later Mt. Rides were a great fit. Also; taking workers on Baldy to Seattle Ridge by snow cat was a big favorite. Then; the experience at Snowbasin, Utah of being involved before and during the 2002 winter Olympics. An extraordinary time for both he and Martha who were married in 2003. They enjoyed camping, traveling, rafting (Grand Canyon) and of course Skiing!

His sense of humor, charm, wry wit, warmth and intensity will be sorely missed. Rod was preceded in death by his dear daughter Lesa and two older brothers Joe and Ray. He is survived by his wife, Martha Olson, sons Tim (Suzi) and Brad (Tammie), sisters LesLee (Dennis) and Teresa (Randy), as well as five grandchildren, two great and children and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Many very warm thanks to those of you who visited and called Rod in that last month. He holds you all in his heart. A gathering to remember Rod will be held April 5th .