Harry William Carlson

Harry William Carlson, 80, lifelong resident of Livingston, Montana, passed away Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 at his home with his wife at his side. Cremation has taken place at Franzen-Davis Crematory. A Memorial Funeral Service will be held 10:00 A.M., Saturday, July 9th, at the Shane Center Ballroom, (415 East Lewis Street, Livingston) with Pastor Steven Paugh Leuzinger officiating. There is a handicap entrance on the west end of the facility. A reception will follow the service. Private interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to: Livingston HealthCare Hospice, The Stafford Animal shelter or the donors choice. Harry was born on February 19th, 1936, in Livingston, Montana. He was the son of John and Maude (Kline) Carlson. He received his education in Livingston and was a graduate of the Park County High School Class of 1954. Harry always had an immense work ethic. At the age of seven he started selling newspapers, at eight his father died and Harry took any and every odd job or way of earning income he could; he collected boxes for the bakery, set pins at the bowling alley, hustled pool and changed the theater marquee sign. On just about any occasion you would find Harry around town with his dogs Tippy and Red, the trio was inseparable. While World War II was taking place he had two brothers serving, one in the European theater and one in the Pacific. The family kept a map at the house with pins marking their locations as to not lose their connection with the boys. As a junior in High School he worked a summer for the Northern Pacific Railroad and then took a job working for Montana Motor Supply. On September 2nd, 1955, Harry was united in marriage to Barbara Jean Maxson, in Livingston. A year later Harry was promoted to the Manager position with Montana Motor Supply and served them in that capacity for the next 43 years with a total of 46 years with the company prior to his retirement in 2000. Following retirement Harry still attended the "Bored" meetings for morning coffee with friends. Over the years, Harry was a member of the Livingston Elks Lodge #246, a member of the Livingston Golf and Country Club, the Rodeo Association, where he organized the Model T races and played city league basketball until 'My Mind was going up, but my body was already going down'. Harry enjoyed fishing, camping, off road motorcycles, games of golf and his poker club. Harrys crowning achievement was when he built his home on the Yellowstone River in 1993. He so loved that home and the memories that were made there with his family. Harry was a man of his "home", the security offered to his family and the commitment he had towards them. A man of hard work, dedication to family and a mischievous sense of humor, his legacy will be carried on for generations to come. Harry is survived by his: loving wife of 60 years, Barb. Children: son, Craig Carlson and his wife Janice of Livingston, their children: Brian (Rose) Carlson, Beth (Garett) Meznarich, Brent Carlson, Brittany (Shaun) Rainey; son, Steven Carlson and his partner, Tracy of Bosie, Idaho and his children: Taylor and Dylan Carlson; daughter, Angela Tinsley and her husband, Clint of Livingston and their children: Alexis Tinsley, Amanda (Mateo) Varela and Jenny (Mike) Chambers. Former daughter-in-law, Ari Carlson of Eagle, ID. As well as, 8 great-grandchildren. Sisters, Helen Petroff of Missoula and May Dunlap of Livingston. Sister-in-law, Sally Boe. Sister-in-law Leslie Schiele and her husband Randy. Nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Harry is preceded in death by his parents, John and Maude Carlson, two brothers, Ray Boe and Ken Boe, sister, Marie Harper, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Robert and Edith Maxson and a grandson, Jackson William Tinsley. Arrangements are under the care of Franzen-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be shared at franzen-davis.com