Lon Carlson

Lon A. Carlson 

1952-2023 

Lon A. Carlson passed away peacefully with family present and hearing his wife’s voice for the final time. 

Lon was born April 22, 1952 to Mary M “Peg” Grothe and Van Kelsey Carlson. He was hesitantly welcomed home by his big brother Van, who later became his best friend. 

Lon’s great grandfather Van Buren Kelsey was a Colorado pioneer and settled in Fort Lupton. He was also the first elected Sheriff of Weld County in 1865. 

Lon grew up surrounded by family and childhood friends and remained friends with them throughout his life.  His teen years were filled with managing the Blue Devil sports teams, a member of the teen hit band The Hearsemen, and working at the family business The Fort Lupton Canning Co. 

At 19, Lon became interested in flying and obtained his pilot’s license and a Cessna 150.  This began his long career in aviation.  

Lon was a certified FAA A&P mechanic and focused on helicopters.  He also graduated from Metro State College with a B.S. in Aviation Management and Marketing. 

Lon held various positions in aviation management and was the Air Operations Manager for L-3 Communications until his retirement in 2017. During this time, he also partnered with his close friend Dave Hoag and was co-owner of Av-West Avionics.  

Lon met his wife Kacy in 1979. Living part time in Vegas Lon and Kacy decided they would roll the dice and took the plunge on June 16, 1984.  Their marriage was built on love, respect and fun! Their son Liam Carlson was born in 1988.  Lon loved Liam and Kacy dearly and they him.  

Lon was a cool, fun dad. You could find him hauling the boys around to Water World, The Warp Tour, or to our condo in Summit County for snowboarding. Liam and Lon shared similar interests in dirt biking and guitars. 

Lon is dearly missed by his wife Kacy, son Liam, sister-in-law Mary (Van), nephew Max and niece Ruby. 

 He is also survived by his cousins Cammie Gabel, Julie Brand Zaloudek and Dana Counter plus extended family and friends here and in Las Vegas where he resided part time.

There will be a celebration in Lon’s honor Spring of 2024. 

Lon wants men to know not to listen to their physician if they say you don’t need a PSA.  Insist on it and you may save your life.

The family of Lon would like to thank everyone for sharing in his wonderful life, respectfully they request no flowers.