Carl Carlson

Carl R. Carlson died as he lived, a man of integrity with dignity and pride, on March 6, 2011 at Littleton Hospital with his daughters and two grandchildren at his side. Born in Woonsocket, RI on August 22, 1918, the son of Hjalmar and Marta (Anderson) Carlson, Carl was married to Ruth Esther Grinnell in Sutton, Massachusetts in 1941 and was thrilled to celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on January 20th. He lived through the great depression and fought in the big war serving in the Army Air Corps in the French/German campaign. He was admitted to Warwick Lodge #16 on November 11, 1954 and has been a Mason since.

“Carl R. Carlson, Builder” was how he was known in Warwick, RI from after the war until 1972 when he moved to Twin Mountain, NH. Having purchased Howe’s Cottages and historic house from his cousin Edith in 1965, he and Ruth renamed them Carlson’s Cabins and he began his third career where they welcomed guests who returned year after year. In the late 60’s he began his legacy of love and proudest achievements, designing and drawing plans for a year-round lodge which he built with the help of family and friends. They broke ground on Ruth’s birthday, August 5th, in 1972 and first opened the doors of Carlson’s Lodge for guests on Columbus Day weekend, 1973. In 1986-7 he and his son-in-law completed a 12 room addition. His last major building project was renovating the first floor of the old homestead from 2004 until 2006.

From 1974 until 2006, he was at the grill cooking blueberry pancakes for one or fifty. Until this past summer Carl could always be seen tending his flowers, riding his lawn mower, splitting wood, making furniture, or planning some other refinement to the lodge. He was a lifelong Red Sox fan and was looking forward to the new season. He still continued to complete the crossword puzzle and word search and to follow the news and Chronicle daily. Golfing and bowling were his sports of choice and when he couldn’t make it to them, he enjoyed the next best alternative and played them on Wii. His flowers were a particular love; his springtime passion was nurturing his perennial gardens and planting hundreds of annuals along the driveway and walks.

Carl was a founding member of the Board of Directors for North Country Council in 1973 and was instrumental in establishing the White Mountain Attractions Association with Dick Hamilton and was a member of the first board as well. He was extremely active in the Twin Mountain Chamber, serving as President for many years. In the 70’s and 80’s, he promoted Twin and the Chamber in mall shows throughout southern New England. He was also active in the Twin Mountain Snowmobile Club and served as Selectman for the Town of Twin.

Carl is leaving his wife Ruth, four daughters and their husbands Sonja and Anthony DeStefanis, Carol Carlson-Cunningham, Raynee Carlson and Buzz Holmes, and Claudia Carlson Vars and Richard Vars; four grandchildren Becky DeStefanis and husband John Spiritas, Laura DeStefanis, and twins Will Carl Cunningham and Caitlin Carlson Cunningham; and triplet great grandchildren Ben, Ella, and Marie Spiritas to carry forward the work ethic and self responsibility he sought to instill in them. He was predeceased by his brother Sven Carlson and his sister Ebba Carlson Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to: North Country Home Health and Hospice, 536 Cottage Street, Littleton, NH 03561; the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl., New York, NY 10001, or to the BMC Amyloid Research Center (note Bill Cunningham), Moakley Building, 830 Harrison Avenue, M3, Boston, MA 02118.