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Galen Ray Carlson

Our dad, with his heart of pure gold and more grace than anyone we know, left us on Dec. 10, 2017, at the family home in Columbia Falls.

He was fond of a good joke, good beer and great music, but especially fond of his family, grandchildren and brothers-for-life, not necessarily in that order. He was not fond of beets, “canoe beer,” and liberals, not necessarily in that order.

“I yam what I yam and tha’s all what I yam”.

Our dad was an Iowan farm boy, born March 31, 1950 in Des Moines to George and Audrey (Brooks) Carlson. After 11 years, George and Audrey were finally blessed with their “miracle child.” Dad attended East High School, in Des Moines, where he discovered his passion for photography. He was involved with the school paper and provided photos for the yearbook. Dad graduated from East High in 1968 and headed to Iowa State University (Go Cyclones!) to study forestry. Although he did not finish at ISU, Dad did complete his education in Montana, graduating from Flathead Valley Community College in 2007. We appropriately celebrated with many friends and lots of beer.

In the 1970s our dad took a trip with his good friend, Ron Holcomb, to Montana and then knew where he wanted to make his home. During a Christmas visit to Iowa, he rekindled his relationship with his one true love, Jennie, our Mom. On Feb. 27, 1982, they were married in Des Moines. Dad and Mom packed the car to overflowing and headed for Montana to begin their life together in the Flathead Valley. They were blessed with my sister, Becky, in 1982 and myself (AuBonny), followed later in 1985.

Our dad was a provider and always made sure that we felt loved and cared for. Dad took the time to participate in many Special Olympic events for Becky and also 4-H shooting practice and competitions for myself. He was always there for us. His care continued right to the day that he left us, as he worked on a family building project. We were all there for him that day.

Through his many trades such as Mild Fence Co., re-grinding camshafts, and custom iron work with Terry Compton, his metal art and handiwork can be seen throughout the valley that he loved. After performing such labor-intensive work over the years (beginning with the family farm), our father finally found relief as a shuttle driver for Meadow Lake Resort in Columbia Falls, where many people loved and respected him. Dad was a simple man. He never cared about the money, he cared about the memories and living life to the fullest.

Dad introduced good music to everyone he met and thoroughly enjoyed his “therapy sessions” with “the boys” at Great Northern Brewery in Whitefish. A little-known fact: our dad and his good friend, Carter Jensen, were the very first patrons of the brewery (formerly “Black Star Brewery”) in 1995. Carter and Dad built many of the tables in the brewery. For me, I can feel my dad’s presence in that place.

He is preceded in death by his Grandma and Grandpa Brooks, Grandma and Grandpa Carlson, Audrey (Brooks) Carlson, George Carlson, Bonnie Carlson, Charles and Ester Hare, Minnie Brooks, Fred Brooks, Charles Malz, and Little B.

Dad is survived by his daughters, Rebecca M. Carlson and AuBonny R. Nagel, the son he always wanted, Chris Nagel, and the grandchildren he always dreamt of, Audriana and Carson Nagel; the love of his life, Jennie A. Meyer; his brothers-in-law, Jim and Jamie Meyer and sister-in- law, Vikki Foxhill; father and mother-in-law, Chris and MaDonna Meyer; his two aunts, Joan Brooks and Maxine Wooley, along with many cousins that he truly loved; his goddaughter, Janelle Brooks.

Dad was blessed with many brothers-for-life: Doug Wooley, Tim and Carol MacDonald, Curtis Brown, Dave Silver, Paul Post, Greg Nepstad, Ron Holcomb, Ron Mark, Steve Miller, Gary Walton, Skip Hewitt, Jimmie Flinchbaugh, Tom and Karen Carter, Jeff and Carol Bunting, Carter and Bonnie Jensen, Brian and Jennifer Perry, Ron Loccarini, Chuck and Jodi Dooley, Terry Compton, Rudi, Jeff and Bonnie Engle, Ian MacFarlan, and Marcus and Audrey Duffy.

Cremation has taken place with Columbia Mortuary in Columbia Falls. A celebration of our dad’s life will be held at Great Northern Brewery, on Jan. 13, 2018, from 12 to 4 p.m. (The family requests that the color red be worn this day, regardless of attendance, in honor of Galen’s life).

We love you, Daddy, XO-your girls.