Francis Neil Carlson

Francis Neil Carlson passed away August 27, 2022 in Vermilion, AB at the age of 75 years.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 54 years Barbara; children Corey (Carmen Heisler) Carlson of Wainwright and Rhonda (Corey) Newman of Cochrane; grandchildren Brett & Devin Carlson of Wainwright, Derek (Lauren) Newman of Cochrane and Megan Newman (Dillon Newell) of Paradise, NL; great grandchildren Everett & Kenneth Newman, and Lila-Rose Newell; siblings Don (Diane) Carlson, Brian Carlson, Al (Marlene) Carlson, Irene (George) Starko, Brenda (Wayne) Lewis, Tim (Karen) Carlson; mother in law Beatrice Kenzie; siblings in law Art (Judy) Kenzie, and Kathy (Dorcey) Cusack; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

He was predeceased by his infant son Quentin Carlson; parents Walter & Marjorie Carlson; brother Dennis Carlson; and father in law Martin Kenzie.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute or charity of one’s choice.

On Monday, August 18, 1947, at 2:30 pm Francis Neil Carlson was born in the Islay Hospital to the proud parents Walter and Marjorie Carlson.  He was the third child born in the family with five more siblings to follow. 

Francis was raised on the family farm east of Islay attending school there and then completing high school in Marwayne. In the fall of 1966, a friend cajoled Francis to give him a ride to visit his girlfriend and her cousin in a farming community south Mannville. That fateful day in October 1966, Francis met Barb and they have been inseparable since.

A couple of years later, on July 20, 1968, Francis and Barb were married in Mannville, marking the beginning of an amazing 54-year marriage.

Francis worked for Nelson Equipment in Vermilion from 1966 to 1972 and obtained his Journeyman Partsman certification in 1972.

They were blessed with the arrival of their son Corey in November 1969 and in February 1972, their daughter Rhonda was born, completing their perfect family.

In the fall of 1972, the family relocated to Stony Plain where Francis continued to work in the parts department with JI Case Company for 4 ½ years. He then made a career change by entering the construction trade with Hill Homes. 

In the spring of 1978, the family moved back to Vermilion when Francis started his own residential construction business, F. Carlson Developments. During this time, he acquired his Journeyman Carpentry certification, built homes and other construction projects for numerous clients. He also took on many additional business ventures including building and five new homes for themselves and establishing their family farm south of Vermilion.

As opportunities presented themselves over the years, Francis decided to pursue another career change in 1989 going to work with the County of Minburn School Board. This change had Francis and Barb relocate to Vegreville.   A few years later, Alberta school boards were regionalized, and Francis was asked to take on a role with the Elk Island Public School board, once again having them relocate, this time to Sherwood Park. This was a welcomed move as this allowed them to be closer to their two grandchildren at the time, also living in Sherwood Park.

While residing in Sherwood Park, Francis and Barb continued to farm on a part-time basis back in Vermilion. In 2005, they realized they missed the farming lifestyle and made the decision to move back to town permanently and expand the farming operation.

Francis was well known in the community as a ‘collector’ of things.  He enjoyed his antique cars, John Deere tractors, snowmobiles, die-cast toys, and an assortment of other collectables.

In 2014, they moved from the farm into town, embracing retirement. He always dreamed of owning a Mustang convertible, and in 2016, he and Barb took an iconic trip down Route 66 stopping at the corner of Winslow Arizona.  The two of them enjoyed many family vacations over the years creating memories to be treasured forever.

Francis was a dedicated man extremely proud of his family and lovingly spoke of them often.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

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