Carlos Gilberto Lara

Carlos’ whirlwind, magnetic personality included an adventurous spirit, a mischievous grin that let him get away with almost anything, and a little bit of a devil may care attitude that he got a big kick out of seeing passed on to his children, grandchildren, and students. He loved surprising people, joking around and razzing everyone. Anytime his grandchildren would exclaim exasperatingly, “oh Grandpa!!!” he would shrug his shoulders, cross his arms, and grin his infectious grin in a very satisfied way.

He always enjoyed fast boats, the latest new gadgets, making time to take it easy, and acknowledging the blessings around him. He was a connoisseur of good food, good wine, and great stories. He was also an optimist who had no problem pointing out the problems he saw in the world but also willing to work toward correcting them. This life view and sense of humor served him well while he continued to strive to overcome every obstacle and become a college professor, father, grandfather, and friend who genuinely cared and wanted to help everyone he met.

Born to Gilbert Lara and Martha Hernandez Lara Weed in El Paso, Texas, he was fortunate to be born into a large, strong, educationally oriented family. As a preschooler, he became infected with polio, a disease that started a path filled with pain. But even at that young age, Carlos was not willing to let it define him or dictate his options. Despite multiple schools, classmates that were afraid of his braces, and tests and treatments that seemed to only add to the pain, Carlos’ will and determination repeatedly served to pull him through.

As a teenager, his family moved from the city life in El Paso to the farming community of Center, Colorado. There he would embrace the role of big brother to a large, blended family: Blanca Estella (Carl) Watson, Yvonne (Bob) Gleason, Donnie (Mandi) Weed, Ramona Weed, & Rosemary (Rod) Steffens. And later he would be blessed to meet Gilberto (Severiana) Lara, a brother he was excited to be able to enfold into his family.

Carlos graduated from Adams State University, married Sue and they began their adventure together. They were joined by their children: Alicia (Shawn) Olivas, Marlena (Charles) Johnson, Adelina (Greg) Bjornerud, Armando (Dominique) Lara, and friends who became close as children to them David Mance and Brian Poage. Whether it was farming, mining, construction, breeding tropical fish, managing an art gallery, coaching basketball, or following his ultimate calling of teaching, Carlos always embraced his passions with enthusiasm and optimism.

It was helping a friend’s son with math fears that convinced him to get his teachers license. It was a natural fit. Carlos taught math at both the high school and community college level in New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. While getting his masters of science teaching at New Mexico Tech in Socorro, Carlos was introduced to one of the first Apple computers and convinced the reservation’s school board to create one of the first computer labs. This new teaching tool allowed the students to learn visually which enhanced their learning experience.

He also taught art on the reservation and enjoyed teaching his students to take pride in their culture while also finding their own style. He exposed students to the commercial side of art, how to capture customer’s imagination with stories and background. In addition to teaching composition and color, he also taught storytelling, selling a vision, and embracing individuality.

This professional path ultimately led to South Puget Sound CC, where he felt most proud of using his diverse experience to reach students who had suffered math trauma in school. His humor and real-life examples frequently allowed them to surmount math related blockages.

After retirement from SPSCC, Carlos concentrated his love and energy on his family, traveling or hosting family and friends at home.

In addition to his siblings, wife and children, Carlos is survived by his aunts Irma, uncles Manuel and Aaron, much loved (and spoiled) grandchildren: Braum (Elizabeth) Renner, Darian Bjornerud, Wesley Olivas, Kalei Bjornerud, Carlos Olivas, Troy Maganda, Payton Maganda, Roscoe Johnson, and Athena Lara, great-grandchildren Ares Renner and Faye Renner and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Carlos’ advice to family & friends followed similar themes throughout his life: take time out to smell the roses, look around at the beauty surrounding you, keep learning, and never lose touch with family. Most importantly, he felt life is an adventure - but it is the journey not the destination. May we all continue to follow this advice as we remember the laughter, good stories, and adventures that Carlos has brought into our lives.

Funeral will be held September 2nd at noon at 1208 21st Ave, St. Michael’s Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CIELO, a program that promotes community, self-sufficiency, and leadership of Latinos in the South Puget Sound. Where people of all generations and life experiences celebrate cultures and traditions in an atmosphere of respect and dignity. www.CIELOprograms.org.