Michael Richard Carlson
September 6, 1944 - September 25, 2017
With sadness, the family and friends of Dr. Michael Carlson (of Vernon, BC) announce his natural death from ALS.
He is survived by his daughters Kirsteen (Mark) of Hawaii, Gretchen and grandchildren Anika and Kai of Port Alberni, and life partner, Marilyn Wells and their Golden Retrievers.
Born in Los Angeles, Michael at age 17 enrolled in a California state college in civil engineering. In 1964, part way through their program, he and three friends drove from LA to Alaska. Seeing the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest for the first time changed Michael's life. He completed his third year in civil engineering and transferred to forestry, his new passion.
Destined to become involved in the Vietnam war, he served as a Coast Guard Officer and later, Admiral's Aide. After decommissioning, Michael received a Master's Degree in Forest Genetics, from the U. of Washington, and later, his Ph.D. from the U. of California Davis, in Genetics and Plant Breeding.
In 1982, Michael joined the BC Forest Service in Vernon as a scientist and tree breeder at the Kalamalka Research Station, with the Ministry of Forests and Range. After 25 years, he retired in March 2010 but continued as Professor Emeritus.
Michael acquired a reputation among his colleagues as the fearless flying poplar guy, hanging from helicopter skids to clip cottonwood tree tops in order to establish a large cottonwood clonal collection. These in turn provided the necessary breeding branches for distribution to several poplar partners in BC and Washington State.
Dr. Carlson was an early supporter of the land based wastewater effluent system for the City of Vernon. Under his direction, poplar trees were planted on an effluent site which eventually generated revenue for the City in 2008.
Dr. Carlson provided thousands of seedlings ensuring the survival and continuity of acres of natural forests in the Shuswap, North Okanagan and worldwide. He supported the BC Big Tree Registry by finding heritage trees and recording data.
As Director of the Allan Brooks Nature Centre for the last 20 years, he played a lead role in establishing the Centre's demonstration plantings, including the marine habitat pond.
When advocates of the Gellatley Nut Farm in Westbank were seeking support for protecting the site as a regional park, they turned to Dr. Carlson who provided assistance in developing a long-term plant health and maintenance strategy.
During his career, he provided facilities, lectures, and expertise for the SFU Summer Institutes in Environmental Education Field School for 50 teachers per year, over eight years.
One of Michael's most enriching volunteer experiences was assisting a surgeon with Doctors without Borders in Ecuador.
Over the years Dr. Carlson mentored many students ranging from High School Science Fairs to Ph.D. students, providing direction for theses and potential lines of study. Former appreciative students valued his exceptional mentoring skills and good instincts.
Michael received many awards for his outstanding contributions to Genetic Resource Management British Columbia through leadership in tree breeding, chairing the Interior Technical Advisory Committee, including exceptional communication and collaboration with many stakeholders and colleagues.
Other awards include: The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for Community Involvement; BC Forests Excellence Award; Regional District of North Okanagan Sustainability ; and, Forest Genetics Council of BC Achievement Award.
With his love of adventure and passion for the wilderness, combined with his remarkable energy, he introduced people of all ages and experience to kayaking on trips to Haida Gwaii, the Stikine River, Kitlope, Desolation Sound and numerous lakes and streams. From hiking the Grand Canyon, to cross country skiing the backwoods, he ran marathons, and lived life to the fullest.
Family and friends wish to thank the ALS Society, We Care and Interior Health, Dr. R. Long and Dr. G. McAuley for the excellent care given to our Michael.
Memorial Service: Wednesday, October 11, 2:00 p.m, at Okanagan Landing District Community Association Hall (Paddlewheel Park Hall), Vernon. www.okanaganlanding.com.