[Bob Stucky]
Bernard Carl Carlson Jr., 93, of Placerville, California passed away on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Bernard was born February 14, 1929.
Bernard was born and raised on a Kansas farm. In 1952, Bernard graduated college, married Christine Weilert, was inducted into the US Air Force as a 2nd Lieutenant, and moved to Alaska to operate and maintain air search radar systems. If that weren’t enough for one year, Bernard and Christine welcomed their first child into the world, Bernard III. He would be followed over the next few years by daughter Laura, and son Dennis.
By 1954, Hughes Aircraft called, offering to double Bernard’s salary to move to California and work on radar systems. He then started a remarkable career at Hughes which had him working on systems for some of the most famous aircraft in the world: F-102, F-106, SR-71, YF-12, F-14, and F-15. His career also had him working on laser targeting systems as well as the Abrams Tank gunsight. He played key a role in the development of crucial technologies in radar and lasers.
Retiring from Hughes in 1984, Bernard and Christine moved to El Dorado County, becoming active in the Community and local politics while restoring houses. He joined the Taxpayers of El Dorado County in 1990 serving as its secretary for 26 years. He was an active member of the Republican Central Committee, working hard to identify and promote the best candidates for local elected offices. He was also an active member of our local Kiwanis chapter, supporting all of their fundraising activities benefitting children.
He got his start singing the Barbershop style in the 50’s, even performed for John Wayne and Jane Russell. He put singing on hold for a few decades, but eventually joined Placerville’s Gold Rush Barbershop Chorus. He sang with the chorus and 3 quartets over the next 30 years, even singing in the Music Man with Imagination Theater.
Bernie created an organization, Friends of the American River, which played a critical role in cleaning up trash and stopping sewage discharge into the American River. That organization pivoted to cover general county issues. The most recent culminated in the redistribution of improperly collected fees just this last year.
Most of all Bernard loved people. He was not afraid of death, he knows Jesus Christ as his Savior, and a few days ago he had expressed his excitement of spending time with the love of his life Christine in Heaven.
He was preceded in death by his wife Christine on March 28, 1999, and grandson Justin Carlson on October 30 2021. He is survived by Bernie Carlson III of Cuenca Ecuador, his wife Linda of Port Hueneme, California, and their three children. Dennis and Phebe Carlson of Fruitland New Mexico. Laura Berdeen and husband Jerry of Cottage Grove Oregon and their two children.
He was particularly grateful to his longtime friends Bob & Mary Beth Stucky, Ed & Kathy White, Henry & Terri Batsel, Ellen Day, and Dave & Shirley Smythe for their friendship, love, and care during his health struggles later in his life.
Services will be held on April 9, 2022, 1:00 PM, at the Park Community Church, 3901 Wild Chapparal Dr, Shingle Springs, Ca 95682
To attend the service remotely, please use the following link;
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86570083539
Meeting ID: 865 7008 3539
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