Search by Name

Search by Name

Grant Carlson Obituary

Grant Carlson / Don Murray

Grant "Don" Carlson left us to be with our Savior & Lord, June 21st, 2013; he was 60 years young. Don was the only child of Ada & Louis Carlson of Sacramento, CA. His wife Judy of 17 years and grown son, Andrew, both live in Sparks, NV.

Don's many hobbies included: being a morning radio announcer, actively involved in Amateur Radio (KQ6FM), running church sound, D.J.ing classic car shows, and spending time with his wife and son watching the S.F. Giants play.

Don Murray was his radio air name. He accomplished his goal of "Going to the Top" in radio by working the Los Angeles market at KIQQ during the years of 1980 -1984. His more recent stations included KYAA of San Jose, CA and KYZZ of Monterey, CA.

A celebration of Life service will be held at Sierra Bible Church on Saturday, June 29th at 10:00 am. The address is 3195 Everett Drive, Reno, NV 89503 (web address is www.sierrabible.org)

God Bless from Judy and Andrew Carlson.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Reno Gazette Journal and Lyon County News Leader on Jun. 26, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Grant Carlson

Not sure what to say?





Ken Navarro

June 20, 2023

I miss Don and still think of him often. On this 10th anniversary of his passing, I will remember his kindness of spirit and his love of music.

Ken Navarro

June 20, 2022

Thinking of Don today on the 9th anniversary of his passing. I miss my friend.

Ken Navarro

June 20, 2021

Don was an excellent friend. I miss our annual dinners, his generous spirit and sharing our life experiences. He was a very good friend and man.

Ken Navarro

June 20, 2020

I think of Don often and remember our friendship. His memory and his spirit are strong. And I miss him.

Ken Navarro

June 20, 2019

I remember and think about my friend Don every week. I miss him. And every time I perform "When You Wish Upon A Star", his spirit is there. I remember how much he enjoyed my solo guitar version of that song and the fact that he "got it" resonated strongly with me and still does.

Robyn Lightner

July 6, 2013

Judy: My thoughts and prayers are with you. You may not be able to touch Don but you can always see him in your memories and he will forever be with you in your heart. Robyn L.

Roger & Beverly Patterson

July 3, 2013

Don, thanks for being a friend. Judy and Andrew, a big hug waits when I see you. Love you both.

Bill Smith, W7HMV

June 30, 2013

Judy, you were Don's Queen, always in a good way, and we will all miss him. I will specially miss our always interesting and fun conversations about great rock and roll artists and songs, not to mention his passion for life, his sincere spirituality and contributions to and for Amateur Radio. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family.

C Sand, WO1NDR

June 30, 2013

Don, you were one of a kind and will be greatly missed. How blessed am I to have met and spent some time with you and your lovely wife, Judy. The time that you both spent on amateur radio and your dedication to your craft will continue to inspire for many years. You will live on in our memories. 73,

June 29, 2013

I'm going to miss you "Don Murray" - you were a true friend. God bless Andrew and Judy. Hugs Debbie Blake

Robert Balian

June 29, 2013

Judy & Andrew, God Bless You Both in the passing of Don. He was a very cool dude and will be missed. The Fun events in Reno/Sparks will never be the same without him. Lord Willing, I know he will be with us all every time. He would not want to miss any chance to be Rocking and Raising for Charity...and just for a good time. Your both in our prayers, Robert & Karen Balian ...Safeway, Sparks, Nevada

Paul & Peggy Cavnar

June 29, 2013

Don, I will miss our friendship and wish we could have had more time together. Thanks for all you did for everyone. You will always have a place in our memory and always bring a smile.

Kurt and Peg Scheile

June 28, 2013

Dear Judy and Andrew, Within hours of Dons passing, our son Joel called to say he had heard the unbelievable, sad news. We choose to believe that it was not coincidence, but that from the other side our friend, partner, brother....one of the most pivotal people of our lives chose to let us know life and love goes on. With all my heart I believe Don remains with the joys of his life ...you and Andrew. To love and be loved by you, I believe Don would surely say was God's greatest blessing. Our love goes out to you, our arms surround you. Some of our most cherished memories include our "Country Don"...and sharing your beginning. You have a beautiful love store Jud. I feel so honored to have shared such precious times with you and Don. Rock in roll heaven...I know Don is there. Our love to you all dear friends.

Ken Navarro

June 28, 2013

Don was a good man, a real friend and a wonderful father and husband. I wish I could be there tomorrow with Judy and Andrew. But I am so happy that I got to play one final time for Don this past March and spend time with him and Judy and Andrew. I will always think of Don and be inspired by Don when I play my song "Fortunate Son".

June 28, 2013

Judy & Andrew - We love you guys. Wish we could be there tomorrow. We will always remember all the fun weekends we all spent together. Don is now at peace and no longer in pain. We will miss him but know that he is waiting for us on the other side.

June 28, 2013

Don--

You and I go clear back to 1966 when we met in a speed reading class in Sacramento. Our common interest in radio and music has sparked a friendship that's laslted more than 45 years! We both liked radio, but you are the one who was good!

Sorry we moved to Omaha three years ago and I didn't get to visit with you that one last time to say good-bye. I think that would have been very hard to do, but we'll carry on down here until we meet up with you "on the other side," or when Christ comes back for the Second Coming! See you then, little Brother! Meanwhile, we'll look in on Judy and Andrew. All will be well, except we are going to miss you terribly!

Kent and Shelley Carlin, Omaha, NE

Steve Davis

June 28, 2013

Judy and Andrew...Don was a great husband...a great dad...a great friend to me. He was also a radio star. Now his star has risen. I will think of him every time I look to the nighttime sky.

June 28, 2013

Dearest Carlson Family: Our love and prayers are with you. Kirk and Jane Houston

C.T.

June 28, 2013

Judy and Andrew,
My heart goes out to the both of you. May God help you to cope with your loss and give you comfort by means of loving embraces from family, friends, as well as cherished memories of Don.

Matt Parker

June 27, 2013

"The Pony" from the dog-and-pony show (what we called the two-part presentation we used to do on emergency and public service communications in amateur radio licensing classes) has passed. God Speed, Don - I'll miss you and look forward to seeing you "up there" when it's time. 73 de N7TOD

Amado Buentipo

June 27, 2013

My condolences to Judy & Andrew for Don Murray's passing. I'm glad I got a chance to visit with Don when he was over for the Relay for Life. It's not going to be the same without Don, especially during Hot August Nights & the Nostalga Run. Now Don is "Rocking In Paradise".

Amado Buentipo

June 27, 2013

My condolences to Judy & Andrew on Don Murray's passing. It's not going to be the same without him especially during Hot August Nights & the Nostalga Run. Don's now "Rocking in Paradise".

Jack Larason

June 27, 2013

You will be remembered and missed.

kathy van

June 26, 2013

i didnt know you very long but you left a lasting impression on me..always had a smile and a hug ready everytime i saw you..you are sorely missed..but you will surely be rock'n heaven..my prayers are with judy and andrew,,will always luv you..

Ti-Michelle Connelly, NJ6T

June 26, 2013

I am going to miss Don and his wonderful banter. We certainly had good times at the various ham radio events we attended. 73 good friend. SK

Frank & Tonya Linares

June 26, 2013

A great person, personality, friend has been taken too soon. Don, we are going to miss you terribly, but will always remember those wonderful times, many a weekends together, many carshows and last but not least your last trip down for the relay for life. See you on the other side Don. Love Frank and Tonya Linares

Jay and Linda Durst

June 26, 2013

Don, it was nice knowing you as a brother-in-law. I know your with the Lord now and with your old radio partner Ernie. Peace.

C Woods

June 26, 2013

My condolences to the family. May you have comfort from the Almighty.

Rich Giebitz

June 26, 2013

Best DJ ! Best music ! A close friend, that shared everything I shared. Going to miss you Don but I will be seeing you in the future. Your sound engineer Rich (KE6QK)

Mike Taylor

June 26, 2013

Grew-up listening to 'Don' on the radio in a small Oregon town.
Later, got to hear him again in L.A. on KIQQ.
Later still, when the small-market radio station i worked at went to Satellite programming - Don was our morning D.J.
He was always nice. I will miss chatting with him.
Rest in Peace, Don.

David & Suzie Petersen

June 26, 2013

You are both in our prayers. We will always remember Don and look forward to seeing him again in heaven one day. Sending a big hug to you both.

June 26, 2013

Take care both of you. By us, Don will always be remembered as an incredible friend and man of great faith. Praying for you this weekend. --our love, Bill & Millie

Laura Deahl

June 26, 2013

Going to miss him! XOXO to you Judy!!

Crystal Cordoba

June 26, 2013

I love you guys! Don was an awesome "big brother"! Hugs & prayers to you Judy and Andrew. ~Crystal

June 26, 2013

Now you are at peace my love, you will always be "The other side of Me". Thank you for changing my life and letting me share all your memories and friends. Andrew and I will always remember the good times we shared as a family. Hope you and Jeff are behaving up there in Heaven. Judy

Showing 1 - 35 of 35 results

Make a Donation
in Grant Carlson's name

Memorial Events
for Grant Carlson

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Grant's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Grant Carlson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more