Harry B. Carlson

Carlson, Harry B.
Harry was born in Greeley, CO on October 16, 1928. He was the last child of nine children born to Charles and Hulda (Leafgren) Carlson. He was born at the Greeley nursing home rather than on the family farm. His next oldest brother was 12 lbs. at birth, an experience his mother didn't want to repeat at home. Harry was a resident of Corrales, NM for 30+ years and died of natural causes on December 16, 2014 at the age of 86. Harry grew up in the small town of Eaton, CO. His oldest brother and father died when he was five years old. Harry graduated from Eaton High School as class president in 1946. After graduation, he enrolled in Colorado State University, but returned to farming with his brother after one year. He then enlisted in the Air Force and was trained in Mississippi and then stationed in Florida in the First Missile Division. After being honorably discharged, he enrolled at University of Colorado, Boulder where he earned a degree with honors in civil engineering. At his first job with the Trane Corp. he was reeducated as a mechanical engineer and worked in St. Paul, MN. It was there, in 1960, that he met and married Mary Alger (M.K.) and adopted into his heart her daughter, Deborah. Nine months later, they added another daughter to their family with the birth of Nancy. After transferring to Denver with Trane Corp. they had their son, Byron. He then worked for Control Data Corporation in Alamogordo, NM and then El Paso, TX, finally settling in Albuquerque, NM in 1970. In 1971, Harry opened his own business, Carlson Heating and Air Conditioning. He took pride in being a fair and honest businessman as well as a good employer. He retired in 1990 after selling his business to his son (who continues to operate it today as B. Carlson Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, Inc.). As a young man, Harry enjoyed taking a date to Elitch's and Estes Park, CO to dance to the big bands of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey. Harry could play a decent game of pool, enjoyed breakfast with the boys, solitaire on his iPad, jigsaw puzzles, his 5 o'clock glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, traveling with his wife, reading philosophy and ethics, feeding his dog, Max under the table, taking his grandkids for tractor rides, a good game of golf, and whistling or singing songs from the 1940's and 1950's. Harry was an active member of the Episcopal Church, first at St. Aidan's, then at the Cathedral of St. John, and finally at St. Francis. Even as Harry's health declined, he was able to live at home and continue driving. He maintained his positive attitude, a song in his heart, and his sense of humor. Harry is survived by his wife, M.K. of 54 years; daughter, Deb (Ken) Newell of Spring Valley, CA; daughter, Nan (Steve) of Grand Junction, CO; son, Byron (Rayne) of Corrales, NM; grandchildren, Jessica Don (21), Brenton Carlson (19), Davis Carlson (17), and Meagan Newell (17); brother Charles; his dog, Max; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Earl, Leonard (Jiggs), and Walter (Perk) ; and sisters Maybel (May), Doris, Louella (Lou) and Gladys (Gladdy). A Memorial Service will be held on December 29, 2014 at 10:30 am at St. Francis Episcopal Church in Rio Rancho, NM (Cabezon & Golf Course Road). In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Harry's memory to the Alzheimer's Association of New Mexico (9500 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111) or to the First Tee of Greater Albuquerque (11024 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111). We ask you to remember Harry with his favorite advice: "Don't take any wooden nickels!".

Daniels Family Funeral Services
4310 Sara Road SE
Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920