Walter Lennarth Carlson

Walter Lennarth Carlson departed this life on March 30, 2013, a week after his children had moved him back “home” to West Seattle.  Born in Seattle, Washington on September 4th, 1919 to Otto and Emily Hokanson Carlson, Walt attended Youngstown Elementary, was confirmed at Hope Lutheran Church, graduated in the class of ’37 from West Seattle High School, and earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Washington.  He enlisted in the US Navy, went to officer’s training in Annapolis, and served in the tail end of World War II at the rank of Lieutenant JG.  He worked as a mechanical engineer at Mobil Oil, Leo Daly, and, for most of his career, at Ryan and Haworth in Lynnwood, WA. Walt married Jacqueline Joan Current on December 8th, 1951 and shared 58 years together before Jacee’s death in 2009.  They had four children and were faithful supporters of their many activities.  Known for his beautiful tenor voice, for years Walt sang in the choir and was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church.  In retirement, Walt and Jacee traveled to their vacation home in Surprise Arizona, enjoyed the occasional cruise, visited their daughters in California, and remained avid sports fans.  In 2001, he and Jacee moved to Richland, Washington to be near their youngest son and 3 grandchildren.  To the end Walt was uncomplaining about the Parkinson’s disease that increasingly constricted his activities. Walt is survived by his sister Jean Cornish (John); his children Bruce, Laurie, Julie, and Jim (Lee Ann); his grandchildren Taylor (Jackie), Lauren, and Nick; 6 nephews, 2 nieces, and 13 grandnieces and grandnephews.  A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 14 at 2 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 4456 42nd Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98116.  Memorials can be sent to Hope Lutheran Church and the Seattle Brain Works/PROVAIL, 12550 Aurora Ave. N., Seattle WA 98133.