Michael Carson

On December 7, 2024, we gathered to celebrate the life of Michael Robert Carson. He was a man of great character, a cherished husband, father, grandpapa, brother, and friend. Born on December 2, 1951, in Lehi, Utah, to Bob and Emma Lou Carson. Mike was a loving brother to his four sisters, Helen, Kristine, Vicky and Debbi.

Mike's journey continued until his sudden and unexpected passing from a rare autoimmune blood disease on November 6, 2024, in Woodland, California, at the

age of 72.

Mike graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1970. Before he graduated, Mike and his best friend, Jim Stoneman, joined the Utah National Guard 140th Field Artillery in May 1970 where they served for the next 6 years.

Mike always knew he wanted to be a carpenter. He joined the apprentice program of the Carpenters Union where he was an active member for over 35 years. After a work injury, Mike attended and graduated with an AA degree in Electronics from Heald College. Mike then went to work at UC Davis for 22 years starting out in the carpenters shop and working his way through the ranks until at retirement, he was the Assistant Director of the Design and Construction Management department. He not only built structures but designed a legacy through his work at UC Davis, managing significant projects that showcased his talent including The Mondavi Vineyard, the Gateway to the Arboretum and the Silo renovation. Over the years, many of his work relationships became his lifelong friends.

Mike was known for his loving nature and unwavering commitment to his family. He was devoted to his wife of 40+ years Suzan and his family of five children. During the 21 years that they were raising their family in Lake Wildwood, Penn Valley, Mike was involved in all activities/sports that interested his kids. He was an assistant Cub Scout master, he coached Little League teams and was President of the Lake Wildwood Water Otters for two seasons. Mike was the lead carpenter for any item the local schools needed help with including the construction of new book shelves for the Pleasant Valley library, making stage items for graduations, constructing props for multiple dances and holiday events. Mike loved being a part of the Lake Wildwood community and enjoyed good times with the many friends he made there.

Mike had a vibrant sense of humor and a unique ability to connect with people of all ages, often entertaining children with his fluent "duck" language. He loved routines, vacations and retirement. Mike enjoyed all his days at Webber Lake, working on the cabin, quiet mornings fishing solo on the lake, "mancations", potlucks with Webber friends, adventures with his mentor, Tom Burton, golfing, reading Westerns, visiting Home Depot (often on a daily basis), rooting for the Denver Broncos and watching any sports show on TV. He loved hanging out with his grandchildren, playing cards, board games and chocolate! He especially loved working with wood and thinking of things to make for the house or for loved ones. He particularly enjoyed making a guitar with his oldest grandson Max! He was truly a master craftsman.

Labor Day weekend 2004 we were invited to Webber Lake (thanks Michael D.) and well, that was a turning point in Mike's life! Ken (the manager) showed Mike an old dilapidated and lopsided milking barn and told Mike that maybe, if he wanted, he could work on it and fix it up as he saw fit. Oh, happy days…this was the start of an ongoing labor of love that lasts to this day. Over the next 19 years, Mike made it into a comfortable, homey cabin leaving his mark on every inch of it. Mike enjoyed going to the cabin as much as possible and he loved his whole "Webber Family" - Ken and Joan, Mike and Kathy D., Joe and Marylu, Rosa, Auntie, Rick and Amy, Al and Kathy, Mike and Jeanne, Rich and Diana and many more assorted characters that came and went over the years, they all became his community. Mike loved helping his lake neighbors with projects and vice versa, potlucks, themed parties, fishing, and sitting around a fire, laughing and talking. The kids and I always joked about getting Mike a tshirt that had "Back to Webber" printed on it as that was where he was always getting ready to go back to!

Mike loved listening to music, watching his grandson perform, going to concerts (especially with the McHenry's), and attending "Owlfest" every year. His passion for music, concerts, family and friends brought joy not only to himself but also to those fortunate enough to share those experiences with him.

Mike's love of life, sense of wonder and his charming demeanor made him a friend to many and he will be greatly missed by the lucky ones who knew him.

He is survived by his loving wife Suzan Carson, his Mother-in-Law Charlotte Fritz, his children Chris Silzle, Heather Carpenter (Scott), Scott Carson (Tanya), Katie Carson (Isaac), his sisters Helen Carson, Kristine Carson, Vicky Carson, Debbi Carson Fugal (Brig); his extended family: brother-in-law Fred Fritz, sister/brother-in-law Kathleen and John McHenry, sister-in-law Charlotte Faulstick, Aunt Elizabeth Anderson, as well as his 11 grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cherished cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his son Mathew Carson.