Donald Carlson

donald carlson

Don Carlson, aged 67 of Fargo, ND, passed away peacefully at Sanford Medical Center in south Fargo in the early hours of Saturday, September 11th, after a hard-fought bout with cancer.

Don was born on March 9, 1943, in Minneapolis, MN, and was the son of Boyden D. Carlson and Shirlee Ann Carlson.

Don graduated from Shanley High School and attended North Dakota State University. He played football for Shanley and NSDU, and was known for his exploits both on - and off - the field.

Don was very active in the Boy Scouts of America throughout his life, and was highly decorated at the local, regional, and national levels. He was an Eagle Scout, and his honors include the St. George Award (the national scouting religious medal), the Silver Beaver (the highest award given to adult leaders), and in 1959 Don was awarded the National Honor Medal for Saving a Life. Throughout his life, Don exemplified the twelve points of the scout law: trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent. Don was a great scoutmaster and was renowned for his tales around the campfire which could make even the bravest of scouts tread lightly and quietly back to their tents with the hair standing up on the backs of their necks.

Don also was known for playing the Native American Chief, Akela, for Arrow of Light ceremonies, in which he would appear in his full Native American regalia and inspire young scouts to continue the path to adulthood, reminding them that "the power lies within their hands."

Don was a very generous man and took great joy in giving to others. As part of his scouting activities he set up a uniform exchange where parents could trade in uniforms as their children grew.

Don's hobbies included rebuilding classic British sports cars, and he was a founding member of the local British Iron Society. He was recognized as the "2003 Enthusiast of the Year" for his ability to inspire others in the hobby.

Don also enjoyed spending time at the lake with his wife, family, and friends, where he recreated a Gaelic-style pub, the "Puckered Piper Pub," at which people have gathered to share stories, laughter, and fellowship.

Don is survived by his wife, Carol; son, Brent (Rumi); daughter, Dana (Mark); grandson, Christian; and granddaughter, Caroline.

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  1. Castle Rock COI have fond memories of playing sports with Don all the way back to Holy Spirit Grade School. We even went to the Jamboree at Valley Forge together. Was reminded of that the other day when I read about the Jamboree this year in Virginia.
    Don and Gary Beitz were the inspirational leaders of the Deacon Football teams, especially in 1960, our Senior Year. To have both die in the same year is a sorrow. We will miss them both next year at our 50th, but they will be in our hearts.

  2. Kennebec SDDon was an inspiration to me as a Scoutmaster and a person. He devoted a huge amount of time and talent to the scouting program and made it special to a lot of people.

  3. Menomonee Falls WII am so honored to have known Don as my scoutmaster for Troop 203 at Holy Spirit and the one who awarded me my Eagle Scout in 1978. Don was as true Scout and inspired me to become involved with scouting as I became an adult. To this day I remember his love of the boys and treaching all of us the scouting way. I am sure that God has bigger and better things in store for him now and I believe that heaven is a better place with don there. My condolences go out to the Carlson family and THANKS for sharing Don with all of us in Scouting over the years.

    God Bless

    Jerry and Roxy Bannerman

  4. Post Falls IdahoDon was a good man, a great scouter and a true friend of mine. He will be missed. They don’t make men like him anymore I’m afraid.

    I will always remember the good times we had.

    My condolences.

    Michael

  5. Carlsbad CADon, We love you and will miss you very much. Those long-ago memories of our high school days with you as a friend will never diminish. You added such spice and enthusiasm to all our crazy antics, and the serious ones, too.

    You’re one in a million and we are so lucky to have called you our friend.

  6. Fargo N.D
    .Don was a pleasure to visit with, do business with, and be a friend of. I truly enjoyed his sense of humor and his knowledge in many areas. His word was his bond, and he followed through on what he said.

    My sympathies to Carol and his family, and I will be making a gift to the Boy Scout Council in his remembrance.

    Arnie Kuhn

  7. Aldie VAFrom the Orson’s in Virginia, our hearts and prayers go out to all the family and friends of Don.

    I have so many fond memories of Don and since I can not be there in person, I ask forgiveness for rambling……

    OK when I was a young scout (in the 80s) Don was Akelia for an Arrow of Light. I was in the OA and helping. On the way into the ceremony he tripped on a tree root. He spent the next 3 minutes blessing the tree and ground while the scouts were waiting reverently and in awe. It was a seemless addition to the ceremony!!

    A second memory is of the two founders of the Black Hawk Traders Association– Don and my Dad.

    A third memory is of getting a cold (free) bottle of Mountain Dew from his old warehouse downtown. The bottle had a Hillbilly Outhouse on it and I am sure it would be worth $$$$s today. My point is, Don was always a such a giving soul.

    My final memory is very personal. The last time I saw Don was recently at my Dad’s prayer service. It was then I learned that Don was also struggling with cancer, but short of breath he was not detered and in best of spirits. During the prayer service we were honored to have Don speak. The Indian chant and song that he started with was shocking to most in the audience-but not me. In his best Indian story telling mode, he shared a story about getting older with friends and all of them finding their way to his maker. It was a beautiful testimony and my three boys were AMAZED.

    May the wind that blows gently across the prairie, may the sun that warms our hearts, may the moon that sheds light in the darkenss, guide the spirit of Don to our beloved maker and Lord in Heaven. Amen.

  8. fargo north dakotaas a Eagle scout myself, Ihave many fond
    memories of Don. He was a true scouter and created countless wonderful memories for others.

  9. Staples MN
    I have not had any contact with Don since perhaps the first or second Wilderness Staff Reunion we put together.

    As a staff member, OA officer and as a young adult, I was always happy to have Don around and sought out his input.

    He was always positive and seemed to be smiling constantly if not laughing. Maybe because he was always thinking about his next story. I remember the many times I walked past the Black Building at Wilderness and I thought the roof would be coming off with all the laughter from him and those he was having fun with. I hope he was able to continue these traits throughout his life.

    My condolences Carol and family and to all the Scouting family he touched in his many years of Cheerful Service. May God’s presence ease your pain at this time of loss.

  10. Eagan MN
    Don Carlson came to Minnesota
    Triumphs VTR, (Vintage Triumph Register) National meets in 1998 and 2002 in his red Triumph TR6. He was always smiling and laughing, telling a joke, in his english bobby hat.

    His British Iron Society club, non-club should be a model for all car clubs. Don’t take yourselves too seriously, and just have fun.

    Don was a great guy and a nice man, and will be missed in the British car people world.

  11. Bemidji MN
    I had the great pleasure of knowing Don during my employment at the Red River Valley, Northern Lights Council, BSA from 1958 to 1976. Don was a unique fellow and always enjoyed his great smile and the friendliness he showed to everyone. I believe the last time I saw Don was 30+ years ago but remember our visit was memorable. He was a great Scout and Scoutmaster.
    My sincere sympathy to his wife and family. Know he will be greatly missed.

  12. Mpls, MN
    , Don will be remembered for he’s good nature and welcoming personality.

    He was a driving force in making the Rendezvous fun and the huge success it has become.

    We missed him this Spring and I’ll think of Don often as we get ready to come up to Fargo this Spring.

    Fargo and future Rendezvous wont be the same.

  13. Moorhead MN
    I have good memories of Don from high school and the times I would ‘run into him’ in the years since. He is one of the people that made a difference in all the things he did.
    Sincerely, Tim Mehl

  14. Moorhead MN
    I went to high school and was on several teams with Don. After school we would see each other about every five years. When we did ‘run into each other’ he greeted me with great gusto. Each and every time. Not many men leave a hole in the world when they leave, but Don will.
    Sincerely, Tim Mehl

  15. Audubon MinnDon was a good man and we will not only miss him but also remember him. We will miss Don and remember Don Guido and smile. Our deepest sympathy to Carol and the family

  16. fargo north dakotacarol and family, i was just so sorry to hear about don’s passing. we are currently in seattle and just returned from a 7 day alaskan cruise so won’t be back to fargo until later in the week. don will always hold a special place in our hearts and i said to matt the shanley class reunions will be a little quieter because don and his fun sense of humor will be missing. our thoughts are with all of you..
    matt & sharon

  17. Mendota Heights Minnesota
    We remember Don as a man bigger than life. Our deepest sympathy to Carol, his family and many friends in this difficult time.


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