Richard Wade Carlson, 52

Richard Wade Carlson, 52, passed away on Aug. 17, 2012, at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012, at 11 a.m. in the Becker Auditorium in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, with interment following in Grandview Cemetery.

 Rich was born on May 12, 1960, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Carl and Myrna Carlson. He was raised in Bonners Ferry, Idaho and graduated high school in 1978. During his high school years he played football (wide receiver) and track as a stellar sprinter.  

He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Morice, on Aug. 25, 1979.  Rich was the epitome of a family man, spending time in the outdoors hunting, fishing, camping with his wife, Nancy, and their two boys. He enjoyed woodworking.  

Rich’s first career was with Louisiana Pacific for 24 years.

Rich was the second shift supervisor when he left the company.  

He started his career with Customs and Border Protection in June 2002 at Eastport Port of Entry.  

Rich truly exemplified all of the standards that a CBP Officer should seek for themselves. Rich headed up several collateral duties in the commercial area.  

He received awards from both his supervisors and peers for his outstanding work.

 In 2011 Rich served as an acting supervisor at Eastport.  

Rich was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August 2011.

He worked between chemotherapy treatment for the past several months before going on medical leave and then passing away.

 Rich was very involved in the community.

 Just a small glimpse of his many contributions to this county include: His instruction of hunter safety for Idaho Fish and Game for 17 years and Cub Scout leader.

He worked with the Boy Scouts for 17 years when he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to Boy Scout leaders; and assisted in the Pinewood Derby for AWANA at several local churches.  

He built projects for local elementary and middle schools and worked helping local residents in need.

 Survivors include: wife, Nancy, at home in Bonners Ferry, Idaho; sons Gregg Carlson of Rathdrum, Idaho and Kelly Carlson of Mukilteo, Wash.; mother Myrna Watkins of Bonners Ferry; brother C. Wayne Carlson of Tioga, N.D.; four nieces and one nephew.

 He was preceded in death by his father, C. Warren Carlson, stepfather Willie Watkins and sister-in-law Linda Carlson and his grandparents.

 He loved his family and friends and he will be sorely missed.

 Family and friends are invited to sign Rich’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.