Paul Joseph Carlson

Paul Joseph Carlson passed away April 9th, 2011 at his home in Claremont, California. He was survived by his wife, June Elaine Carlson, his three daughters, Peggy Carlson of Claremont ,CA, Beth Heck of Lucerne Valley, CA, and Carol Formal of Norco, CA, six grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service was held at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Covina, CA on April 15th followed by a reception at the home of his daughter Peggy Carlson in Claremont. Friends and family paid their respects to the 92 year old Patriarch.

Carlson was born July 16, 1918 in Lewistown, Idaho. Paul's interest in Cattle developed at an early age while living on his parent's farm in Kooskia, Idaho. He skipped two grades and still did well in school. He was extremely fond of his humble boyhood, four siblings, and of swimming in the Clearwater River. An interesting fact is that he actually rode a horse to school, after helping with the morning farm chores. He graduated from Troy High school in 1934. He took a year off to operate his father's farm. Responsibility had been thrown at Paul early because his father had a severe heart attack when he was very young and he was the eldest child. This untimately helped him develop a strong work ethic.

He enrolled at the University of Idaho in 1935 majoring in Animal Husbandry. He had great experiences including becoming swine herdsman, Judging team member, and achieving Beef Herdsman. His University studies were interrupted because he was drafted into the army during WWII. He spent 14 months in Europe and 14 months in the Aleutian Islands. Paul was proud of his service but glad to return to finish college.

His first job out was that of Beef Cattle Herdsman for North Dakota State University where he spent ten years. He was successful at managing and improving the program and went on to win local and international shows. He also won over his wife, June Elaine Osman who he met and six months later married October 10th, 1951. He had his first two daughters while living in North Dakota and then was recruited to manage and build a purebred Angus herd at Hoots Angus Cattle Ranch in Grants Pass Oregon. Third daughter Carol was born there. Paul was partner/manager at Hoots Angus and had his longest career ten-year. Many West Coast Angus Champions were developed and several successful sales held. He was also active in FFA, President of the Fair Board and chaired several local organizations.

In early 1969 Paul became manager of Rancho San Andreas, Watsonville, CA. He moved the Hoots Cattle Herd in its entirety to California. Unfortunately the owner, John E. DuPont, had commitments in the east that forced an early dispersal of over 500 lots. Sale was held in 1971.

Paul was recruited to become Livestock Superintendent of Melarosa Ranch, in Gwinner, North Dakota. He again managed two purebred commercial cattle herds as well as crossbred herds, over 1,000 head. Paul left North Dakota in 1975 to purchase a home in Roseville, CA. He did beef-cattle consulting work and had his first hip replacment surgery.

Cal Poly Technic University, Pomona recruited Paul to become Beef Cattle Herdsman in 1977 where he was to work for 12 years. His hands on approach to learning where he encouraged student participation made him both a mentor and father figure to students and staffers. He went on to be awarded a distinguished Staff Emeritus Award prior to retiring in 1989. A huge surprise retirement party was held at daughter Carol's home in Norco where even out of state friends and family celebrated his career.

Paul was able to travel with wife June and attend many family functions after retiring. A primary highlight was when he had an eightieth birthday party held in his honor at Troy, Idaho. Family and friends numbered more than a hundred and dad took a caravan to see significant childhood places where he and his family had farmed, and lived. He was able to enjoy his grandchildren and to swim in his backyard pool almost until his last year. Sadly, he lost one of his two grandsons, Seth Carl Sandstrom (20 years old) due to a motorcycle accident. Paul J. Carlson was married for 59 years. He is greatly missed by his family and because he was the last of his siblings to pass he is especially missed by the Carlson extended family.