Christopher Russell Carlson

1963 - 2024

Christopher Russell Carlson

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.