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Christopher Carlson Obituary
March 29, 1963 - May 17, 2024
Woodland, California - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Christopher Russell Carlson, on May 17, 2024, at the age of 61. Chris was larger than life and loved by many. His presence will be greatly missed.
Born March 29, 1963, in Berkeley, CA, Chris was the son of Edwin and Pamela Carlson. He attended Pleasant Hill High School until its closing in 1980. Chris followed his wrestling coach, Clyde Forrest, to College Park High School and graduated in 1981. During high school, Chris played football, making Honorable Mention as a lineman, and wrestled, winning two consecutive North Coast wrestling championships - finishing 5th at state in you guessed it the heavyweight division.
Chris graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UC Davis in 1985 and UC Davis School of Law in 1991. In addition to being an outstanding student, he played football and wrestled, earning his Letter in the open weight division. He was a proud member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and was their ringer in the annual Five-Mug-Chug competition during Greek Week. Blessed with a photographic memory and intense focus, you could find Chris studying at the kitchen table while AC/DC and 38 Special blared. Chewing Copenhagen, drinking a Coors Light, and studying torts, all while carrying on witty, joyful and irreverent conversations with the people around him.
Chris joined the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office in 1991 where he had a long and distinguished career. Other than his daughters, Betsy and Katie, nothing brought Chris greater pride than helping to establish the collaborative courts, which include mental health, drug, and veterans court. Working with judges, prosecutors, public defenders, probation and police, the program has been widely heralded as a model for other agencies. Chris was a mentor, advocate and peer for countless vets and lawyers in the country - he will be sorely missed. Chris's career culminated in February 2024 when he was acknowledged as the Sacramento County Criminal Law Section Attorney of the Year.
To say Chris loved sports is like saying the sun is a little hot. The three TVs in the living room and multiple remotes would clue you in that Chris's enthusiasm for sports was next level. There was always a game to watch in his living room, at a bar or live. Football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and eventually rugby were embraced and followed intently. In late 1999, Chris set out with his brother on an epic sports odyssey. Five baseball stadiums in 7 days, a Michigan football game with a guy named Tom Brady playing quarterback as well as the very first game of the new Cleveland Browns. Chris affectionately referred to it as the "sports trip of a lifetime" and it set the pattern for most of his vacations that followed. He began following the Packers and Cubs and yearly trip(s) with friends included stops in Mecca (known by some as Lambeau Field), numerous Wrigley Field visits, Soldier Field, Spring Training, and Savannah Bananas to name a few. Next to the TVs in the living room was a framed certificate acknowledging his ownership interest in the Green Bay Packers.
The passing of a big man leaves a big void for literally hundreds of friends and peers. He was truly blessed and special. There is comfort in knowing that so many are missing this imperfect, intelligent, sincere, loud, funny, gifted, authentic, protective, hard-working, big-hearted, approachable good man. If you didn't know him, you missed out. If you did, the hurt is real. Break the mold. Drink a Coors Light or a crystal light & vodka. Hold on to your friends and make new ones. Talk to a stranger in Tahoe. There will never be another like him.
In addition to Chris's daughters, Betsy of Woodland, CA and Katie of Concord, CA, Chris is survived by his mother, Pam Carlson of Pleasant Hill, CA, and brother, Jonathan (Kelly) Carlson of Lafayette, CA. He also leaves behind many cherished cousins, dear friends from all stages of his life and the Sacramento County court system.
Until we meet again big guy. Rest in peace.
A celebration of life will be held this summer in the Bay Area, details are pending. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to 4Paws2freedom (www.4paws2freedom.org) or Troopathon (www.troopathon.org) organizations that benefit the vets he was so proud to help.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Carlson
Sharon Solomon
December 31, 2025
I had been missing our annual birthday and holiday acknowledgements and worried that Chris wasn't well. I didn't know that he had passed away. My heart ached reading this obituary since I had the "pleasure" of studying for physiology (Chris just wanted to show up all the pre-med students) while listening to AC/DC, drinking beers and dealing with his chewing tobacco at the same time. He aced the class. Big Chris, you are missed.
Michele Wells-de Vos
November 14, 2025
Today I learned about the passing of Deputy District Attorney Chris Carlson and I know that if the impact he had on me is any indication of the impact he has had on others, we have lost a great light that was sorely needed.
From July 12, 2018, I had the privilege to shadow Sacramento Deputy District Attorney Chris Carlson to ehance my knowledge of reentry related to my own project Theater for Humanity and my studies of criminal justice. Chris was, at the time, overseeing Sacramento County´s Reentry Court, Mental Health Court, which carried an average of 80 cases, and the county´s Veteran´s Court which carried an average caseload of 25-30 justice-involved veterans. I shadowed him for three months, learned a great deal from him and interviewed him about his work. He taught me a great deal about Sacramento´s collaborative courts and his voice, perspective and work reflected that of one of the most forward-thinking District Attorney´s in the state.
I recently moved to Europe and had been less frequently in touch but I sent him and email and it bounced back to me. Then, I saw online that he had passed on. A part of his work lives in me and the work that I strive to do in Theater for Humanity. I send my condolences to his family and loved ones. Your relative had a lasting impact on my life. May he rest in peace.
kimberlee nelson
March 27, 2025
I just found out that chris had passed away and my heart is hurting. we were raised together as kids and he was as close as a brother. i considered him my brother and jon also. chris used to read the encyclopedia for fun. he was the best guy ever.
Jen Cleveringa
July 15, 2024
I met Chris while working as a deputy in the courts. He was such a great guy, I was so sad to hear of his passing. We bonded over back issues and jokes. It was impossible to work with him and not smile and have a blast! Chris truly brightened every space he entered. The world will be a lot less bright without him in it! Rest in Peace my friend!
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Sue Wilson
June 7, 2024
I worked with Chris at the DA´s office. He had a personality as big as his physical presence. He was friendly, funny, kind, and always quick to offer help. He had such a brilliant mind, and a file cabinet full of legal research that he eagerly shared with me when I was a new DA. I swear, it was as if he had every one of those cases memorized. I am so sad to hear of his passing. The world is greatly diminished by this loss. My heart goes out to his daughters, the rest of his family, and his many friends. Rest in peace, buddy. You were one of a kind.
Cady Webb
June 6, 2024
I always enjoyed working with Chris when I was a clerk downtown; despite my inexperience he never lost patience with me or made me feel inadequate, and always had a joke ready on those truly hectic days. I'm saddened that I didn't get to have a more meaningful goodbye before I left that line of work; he will be missed greatly.
Cindi
June 2, 2024
I am sad beyond words hearing of Chris's passing. He was one of the real ones. He will be missed. :(
RIP big guy.
Pat Butler
May 31, 2024
Beautiful Tribute to a Great Guy, we will miss you Chris.
C.Heuerman
May 30, 2024
Very said to read this- I met Chris once yrs ago while working a case in SAC County and chatted about HS sports and growing up in the same area. I went to YVHS, but my sons went to CPHS and one went on the UCD so we had a real bond. Prayers to friends and family- RIP Mr. Carlson
Kevin Boulas
May 28, 2024
Rest in peace, Chris...
Steve Kynard
May 27, 2024
I met Chris through a mutual friend, Bill who we worked with in the DAs office in Sacramento. I mostly know Chris from the numerous electrical projects he had going around his house. He was easy to work for and was always adding something that required my skills. It would be six months since I heard from him and he would call me and say he had new project for me. When I showed up it was like we just talked yesterday. I also knew him from the gym. He was such a ball of energy and always in a great mood. Sorry to hear about him passing, he was a great customer and friend.
Debbie
May 26, 2024
I worked with Chris in the courts. I loved his zest for life and he loved teasing me about being a Grandma. My prayers.are with his family during this time. Rest in peace my friend.
Kelli seifert
May 26, 2024
I remember chris so well he used to babysit me as a child! When my mom sandy moore would go out with his parents! He was a wonderful person and was always there to help! I'm so sorry for your loss and he will always be in our hearts!
Al Saibini, Nevada Alpha '76
May 26, 2024
In coelo quies est.
Kathleen
May 26, 2024
Wow, bigger than life itself. A son, brother, dad, friend and co-worker to be proud of. Lots of memories for the family.
Jennifer Churchill
May 25, 2024
I was lucky enough to meet Chris and get to know the person he was. My condolences to the family, just know he was loved by many!!
Diane Richardson
May 25, 2024
I worked at the DA's Office as a Legal Secretary and I remember Chris's outgoing personality. He was so friendly to everyone. He will certainly be missed.
Tammy L. Thompson
May 25, 2024
I initially met Chris when he started teaching Determinate Sentencing Law and Credits at the Sonoma County Probation Department. Although these could certainly be dry topics that was not the case when Chris taught. Super funny, kind to others less knowledgeable, and an all around great guy. I had the pleasure of attending the District Attorney conference with Chris for several years where he kept an eye on me. Even after my retirement, I would met Chris for lunch or dinner in Santa Rosa along with Michelle McIntyre (sadly deceased) and Brad Michnevich. We shared a special bond and considered Chris part of our Probation family. Chris and I loved to share text messages about our favorite books and authors. Chris was one of a kind and the world was better because of him. Chris never forgot to ask about my son Devin and loved to brag about his beloved daughters. RIP Chris.
Doug Hamilton
May 25, 2024
I worked with Chris at the DA's office. I always looked forward to seeing him. Encyclopedic knowledge. Always a good word for everyone. Heart as big as he was. Always that gleam in his eyes and it gleamed a little brighter when he talked about Betsy and Katie. Oh, and sports. He's got the best seat in the house now. "Go Ags!"
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