Jerry Stuart Carlson

On April 10th, Dr. Jerry Carlson, 86, a beloved family man and accomplished academic, died peacefully. He was surrounded by his family. Born of a Swedish mother and Norwegian father, Jerry grew up in Seattle, inheriting his mother's drive and his father's kindness. He received a B.A. in chemistry from the University of Washington in 1958 and a Ph.D. in psychology from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1966. He then joined the faculty of the University of California, Riverside, where he had a distinguished academic career, publishing hundreds of papers over a 40-year span. He served as president of the International Association for Cognitive Education from 1993 to 1995 and, in 2005, was elected a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science. He played an administrative role in the University's Education Abroad Program, which placed U.C. students abroad for one year of their undergraduate careers - a program whose mission fit with Jerry's views about the value of experiencing different cultures. After retiring in the early 2000s, he spent most of his time in his native northwest, the part of the world he loved the most.

Jerry was the heart of the Carlson family. Warm, engaging, generous, and funny, he was usually the center of attention at family gatherings. To his wife of 58 years, he was unfailingly fun and kind. To his children, he was nurturing, interested in their interests, and often as much a friend as a parent. To his grandchildren, he was a witty and warm presence. He had an adventurous spirit and traveled the world widely, both for professional reasons and for leisure with his wife, children, and grandchildren. Particular joys for him were nature, music, intelligent conversation, and dogs. He was also physically active, enjoying sailing, hiking, skiing, and tennis. He had a gift for friendship. Gregarious by nature, he never met a stranger and consequently formed many bonds. To colleagues around the world, he was not just a great scholar but a great companion.

He is survived by his wife, three children, two sons-in-law, and six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and his two beloved dogs.

A celebration of Jerry's life will take place during the summer at a time and place to be determined.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please send a memorial gift in Jerry's name to UNICEF (https://shop.unicef.ca/make-a-donation-in-memory).