Obituary of Ellwood W. Carlson

Ellwood was born Dec 30, 1914, the third of five children to Esther and Gust Carlson of Oakland, Nebraska. He graduated from Oakland High School in 1932. He met his future wife, Ruth Meyer, in summer band for the two communities of Uehling and Oakland. They were married on Valentines Day in 1937 and continued to make and enjoy music together for almost 71 years. They farmed in Nebraska until 1946 when they moved to Pharr, Texas for a year, then on to Clarkston, WA where they established their electrical contracting business. In 1960 they moved to Veradale, WA where they built beautiful homes until they retired.Ellwood was an avid reader, a lover of good music, and had an insatiable curiosity, always engaging family and friends in lively conversation. His interests were broad and diverse; current events, restoring antique gasoline engines, building furniture for his children and grandchildren. He played his trombone regularly until this last year. His artistic talents were displayed in his woodwork and the beautiful frames he made for Ruth’s needlework. His leadership skills were displayed in many activities; church, Jaycees, president of Clarkston Chamber of Commerce, fundraising for a hospital in Clarkston, many awards in Homebuilder’s Associations to include induction into the Hall of Fame and a Life Spike. During 1987 and 1988 he was president of the Riverview Board of Trustees, a nursing home/care facility in Spokane. Ellwood was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth. He is survived by sons Paul (Mary Lou) of Mukilteo, Dave (Kathy) of Olympia, five grandsons: Stephen (Stacy) and Peter (Dianne) of Seattle, Tim (Luann) of Belmont, CA., Jon (April) of San Carlos, CA., and Jeff (Lynne) of North Attleboro, MA., and 7 great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 10:00 am with a coffee reception following. Memorial gifts may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd-Chancel Choir Fund, 1601 North St. SE, Olympia, WA 98501, or to a charity of your choice. You may leave memories and online condolences by clicking on "View Guestbook" below: