Col. (Ret.) Albert Edwin Carlson Ed Ca Carlson, 58, of Gig Harbor, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 7, 1999 at home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. Ed was born in Oakland, CA to Arthur E. and Lois L. Carlson.
He L grew up on the East Bay, graduated and later received an MBA from San Jose State University. He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, in 1962. Following graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Serving in the field artillery for 29 years, Ed’s tours of duty covered the United States, Germany and Vietnam.
The last day of his second tour in Vietnam, Ed, already wounded, was captured. He spent the last year of the war as a Prisoner-of-War in jungle camps in Cambodia, caged or chained, and ill with numerous tropical diseases. That experience gave Ed great perspective, faith, and a buoyant optimism for life. awarded the Silver Star, 3 “Bronze Stars, 3 Purple Hearts for combat, and the Legion of Merit Combat Infantryman’s Badge. Arriving in Washington in 1975, Ed and his family bought their home in Gig, Harbor and returned for good 1992, following his army retirement.
He began a new career and was employed as Chief of Staff, Emergency Management Division for the State Washington. Ed was Quartermaster for VFW Post #1854 a member of the 4th Allied POW Wing. Ed will be remembered for the smile he wore on his face, his friendly demeanor to all, his sense of humor, his enthusiasm and optimism for life and his love of fishing, hunting, card playing, camping, and traveling. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughter, Amy; son, Eric and daughter-in-law, Laura; grandsons, Reese Isaiah and Chad Edwin, all of Gig Harbor; sister, Ruth Maples, of Clearlake, CA; and a cousin, George Hagarty (Barbara) lof Gig Harbor. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothler, Marvin.
Special heartfelt thanks to Dr. Marilyn Pattison, the VA, and Franciscan Hospice. Remembrances may be made to VFW Post #1854, Gig Harbor, or Franciscan Hospice. Funeral service will be at Fort Lewis Chapel at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 13, with graveside services following at Tahoma National Cemetery at 12:30 p.m.
