G. Wesley Carlson

OGDEN – G.W. (Wes) Carlson, 100, died April 25, 2022. He was born April 15, 1922 in Eaton, Colorado.

After graduating from College High in Greeley, Colorado in 1939, Wes pursued a course in Forestry at Colorado State University. He was a varsity gymnast in his years at CSU. Also, CSU was where he met Dorthy Davis, the love of his life. They were married on Christmas day, 1943. In the fullest sense they remained partners until Dorthy’s death in 2006.

With degree in hand, Wes almost was immediately inducted into the Army, specifically, the Tenth Mountain Division. This unit was just forming and undergoing winter training at Camp Hale, Colorado. By war’s end the Tenth Mountain Division would be known as the legendary “ski troops.” Wes experienced horrendous combat, as the 10th fought its way over Italy’s Appenine Mountains and up to the Italian Alps. That was where war’s end found him. Throughout his life Wes maintained his membership in the Tenth Mountain Division Association and frequently attended their annual meetings in Colorado.

After returning home from Italy, Wes was eager to get to work as a forester. A 34 year career with the U.S. Forest Service began with an assignment on the Medicine Bow National Forest in Wyoming. That career took Wes and his family on quite a tour of the intermountain west: Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, Utah again, Idaho again, Virginia, and one last time to Utah.

Wes and Dorthy were outdoor people, and they imbued their family with a life-long love of the outdoors. Outdoor activities included camping, hiking, rock climbing, back packing, hunting, and fishing. He was an avid duck hunter and devoted a great deal of time to the “duck club” west of Ogden. After Wes’ retirement from the Forest Service, he and Dorthy spent summers on their boat exploring the coastal waters of Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska for a number of years. Wes lovingly quoted Dorthy in her assessment of that time as “The best years of our lives.”

Those who were acquainted with Wes knew him as a fine woodworker. He built much of the furniture in their home. His workshop in the basement of his home often was the place where friends gathered for conversation. Wes was generous with his woodworking talents and freely shared his expertise.

Wes is survived by his sons: Douglas (Maryanne) East Lansing, Michigan; Jay (Millicent) Roseburg, Oregon; and Ken (Ellen) Rigby, Idaho; and their respective families.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at the Ogden Botanical Garden, 1750 Monroe Boulevard, Ogden. A reception will follow.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myers-mortuary.com

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