A. Bruce Carlson

As we approach the 1 year anniversary of your departure from this world a piece of my heart remains empty. My brother. My protector. I think of you daily & know you are at piece.
Your loving sister,
Ruth

I remember Professor Carlson very well from my days at RPI between 1977 and 1982. He was a favorite of students not just for his skill as an educator but also as a humerous, approachable person. Unless I'm mistaken, I remember him playing and singing Tom Lehrer songs on the piano. He was a great teacher and I'm sure a great husband and father as well.

To Prof Carlson's family,
I too was a student in his Circuits class in 1996. The things I most remember were his fascinating personality, his obvious love of teaching students the basics of Electrical Engineering, and the tender spirit behind his gruff exterior. I always tell my wife, who has never met him, that I want to smoke a pipe and have a pointy beard when I am an old man...guess who my inspiration was? Another fun memory was several students' quest to discover what the A in A. Bruce Carlson stood for. We found out, but don't worry, his secret is safe with me! Finding out that he passed away causes me sadness, but remembering his profound impact on others is a great testament to a life well-lived. I look forward to learning more from him in heaven!

Hi,
Prof. Carlson taught me circuit analysis as he did many others. I always enjoyed his lectures, beginning with the first day, when he taught us the basics of analysing a BJT. There's at least one generation (probably several) of EEs that writes the symbol for a resistor with an abreviated single squiggle...a sure sign of a Carlson circuits education. I'll never forget the day of our final exam. As he dropped the first thick copy of the exam on a student's desk, a loud clap of thunder from an ongoing storm happened to boom through the auditorium. He looked up and let go with a pretend "evil laugh" and so began the circuits exam. I'm sorry for your loss, he certainly made a difference for so many.

A wonderful teacher and person of sterling character. Richard T. Smith, Prof. of Electrical Machinery, RPI 1968-70.

To Pat, and to Bruce's children and grandchildren:

We send you our love and our deepest sympathy, on the occasion of Bruce's recent death. We shall never forget this marvellous man - Bruce the adored father and family-man, who made music all his life, including in the RPI Chorus (West Hall, years of rehearsals); Bruce who was the favorite professor, thespian, teacher and counsel of so many RPI students - over so many decades at RPI. And Bruce - who acted through his wisdom and his faith to bring peace and justice to the world - we can never forget Bruce Carlson, tall and lanky as he loped across campus and greeted all on his path at Rensselaer.

Indeed, Bruce greeted all on his path through life. We were and are blessed to have received his gifts - of energy, wisdom and commitment, and of course much-needed humour - to our world.

Pat, and Carlson kids and all your families, we send loving good wishes in memory of your dear Bruce. We hope to see some of you soon, especially Pat in Troy - to continue everyone's celebration of Bruce's life.

Bruce will always be remembered, as his life continues always to inspire us.

Helen and Brian Bayly, Troy NY:
April 2007.

Thank you for your vocation. You taught me circuit theory and much much more. Now you are with God, the Master engineer and designer.

Bruce was like a father figure for many of us going through the ECSE undergrad program at RPI. He both challenged and pushed my boundaries to forge ahead and successfully complete the program. I'll never forget being on stage at the graduation ceremony. Bruce shook my hand and pridefully congratulated me on my achievement. It was a very personal and heartfelt expression, and I was touched to see this other side of him. It will stay with me forever. He was a real gem. My condolensces to his family and friends.

Dear Pat,
I am so sorry to hear of your great loss and that of the entire community. When I was conductor of the RPI choruses, Bruce's delightful presence, musically and personally, elevated our rehearsals and concerts, and he is among my happiest memories.
Ted and I send our condolences, our prayers, and our appreciation for a life well lived.

Pat, Kendra, Kyle & Kristen:

I am honored to be a friend of the Carlson family. I thought the Memorial Service today was done with great love and class, as were all of the Carlson functions I have had the pleasure to attend for the past 35 years.

I will remember Bruce, and love all of you, forever.

Pat - We know what a long ordeal it has been for you and Bruce. Both of you have made a real contribution to our world and that's all anyone can really do.

Tom and Lorraine Simkins

While I did not know Dr. Carlson, I have the privilege of knowing his daughter Kristen. By all accounts, he was a remarkable man who was loved and respected by many. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Poppy,
we miss u sooo much.
but now u can keep Frank company!
we cant wait to celebrate
ur life wtih everyone who loved u!

To the family of Prof. Carlson-

I live in the Albany area, and lost my Dad, age 66 to PSP last year. The most cruel aspect of this disease is that it's victims are so often intelligent and talented; and your dear Bruce was obviously testament to this fact.

Time will bring you peace, and even some of those "PSP" moments will be looked back in love and admiration for the dignity and strength our PwPSP exhibited.

In sympathy,

Cindy LaFleur

Pat and family,
Please accept my sympathy for your loss. Dr. Carlson was my professor when I attended RPI and he was always kind and interested in my goals and was a nice person.
Pat Boccio, RPI Class of 1985

Pat and family,
We were so saddened to hear of Bruce's passing. We will always remember him as a creative, caring, and 'larger then life' person. We are with you in spirit, and will raise our wine glasses on Saturday.

All my love Poppy! I can't wait to celebrate your incredible life with the family this weekend.

Pat,

Veera and I send you our heartfelt condolences over Bruce's sad demise. He was a nice friend from Stanford and RPI. We shall all miss him.

Arjun Saxena
Emeritus Professor & Patroon

From one teacher of undergraduates to another, I am sure you can pass any examinations that come up. Perhaps we can compare notes someday.

Pat

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Bruce. He was a remarkable man. He will surely be missed.

Please accept my sincere sympathy.