Oscar Carlson Jr.

It is with deepest sorrow we announce the passing of our loving father and grandfather, Oscar Carlson Jr. on April 22nd, 2024 at his home in San Tan Valley Arizona.  He peacefully departed in his sleep to join the love of his life while surrounded by the other great loves in his life… his children and their families.  He passed as he lived his life, quietly and focused on the happiness of his family.  Oscar was born in Anaconda to Mamie and Oscar Carlson on February 6th, 1934 in the family home on Maple Street and lived there until he was a young adult.   He was raised in that small two bedroom home with four brothers and two sisters Hubert, Charlie, Ray, Eddie, Lily and Jean.  He loved everything mechanical and could literally fix anything regardless of how much experience he had.  He loved motorcycles and owned many of them in his youth.  One of his favorites was a motor scooter he had as a young boy.  He would charge a penny a ride until he had enough to fill it with gas and then he was off on his own until the street light came on.  His other favorite, a 1937 WL45 Harley Davidson, was his summer entertainment for several years.  His dog Tuffy was frequently seen riding on the bike with him.  Occasionally he would be asked by his friends “who was the blond you had on the bike last night”.  Oscar attended school in Anaconda but had to leave early to find work and help support his mom.  He later completed his education earning a GED.  He also completed a post high school education program in Hotel Management.

The Montana summers came to a two year hiatus when he enlisted in the United States Army in 1957.  After boot camp at Camp Pendleton in California he was stationed at Fort Sam Houston Army Base and Hospital in San Antonio Texas.  Although he made many friends and had great adventures he longed to get back to the life, family and friends he loved in Montana.  One visit home, during leave, his friend set him up with “one of the nurses” on her training rotation at Warm Springs Hospital.  All she knew was that he was in the military and his nick name was Rabbit.  Slightly concerned about how he earned the nickname she agreed to the date.  They had a great time but both had obligations to return to different places and they lost touch.  One summer night in 1959, after completing his service, he ran into that same friend who told him that he and his wife had a visitor that would like to see him.  That night was the beginning of lifelong love affair between Oscar and Shirley Faye Svee.  After a two year long distance relationship they were married June 24th, 1961.   On April 22nd 1962 their daughter Valerie was born followed by Rick two years later and Corey twelve years after that.   Oscar started working at the BA&P Railroad when he returned from the military and worked there as a Machinist until his retirement in 1982.

As a family, he loved to travel making countless trips to Disneyland, San Francisco, Cannon Beach Oregon and Seattle.  Oddly, there was always a stop in Las Vegas even if going to Seattle from Anaconda.  He spent at least one week (usually more) every summer at Georgetown lake camping, water skiing, riding motorcycles and exploring.  If not at home with the kids you would most certainly find them traveling with their dearest Friends, Jim and Jane Edwards.  

Oscar lost Shirley far too early on March 28th, 2005 after a courageous battle with cancer.  Although a piece of him died with Shirley he never let it slow him down from being the best, most loving and caring father and grandfather for the remainder of his life.  He continued to travel to see family and made it to celebrate all of the special moments as long as he could.

Oscar is survived by his children Valerie (Marvin) May, Rick (Ailene) Carlson and Corey (Susan) Carlson; his grandchildren Whitney (Brian) Taylor, Dylan May, Cole Carlson, Josh Carlson, Dallas May and Alexandra Carlson.  He is proceeded in death by his wife Shirley and grandson Ian Oscar Carlson; siblings and their spouses Hubert (Theida) Carlson, Charles (Ruth) Carlson, Ray (Pat) Carlson, Eddie (Amy) Carlson, Lily (Bill) Anderson and Jean (Sam) Vuicich.  

A private service for his immediate family will be held in Montana this summer.