A Look at the Life of Gary Carlson

Gary Blanchard Carlson was born Jan. 23, 1944 at the Harney Valley Hospital in Burns, to Robert and Evelyn Carlson. He joined a brother, Bob and sister, Sonja at their home at 1032 North Court in Burns. 

He graduated from Burns Union High School with the class of 1962. Gary passed away on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021 in his home at 1048 North Court surrounded by his loved ones. He passed away from an adenocarcinoma cancer he suffered as a result of environmental exposure to Agent Orange during combat in Vietnam.

Gary was a man of many talents. In his youth he worked at C & B Sanitary Service, Rock Creek Ranch, and the U.S. Forest Service. After his honorable discharge from the military in October of 1969, he worked as mechanic for Edward Hines Lumber Company in the truck shop and went on to work with Mike Choate at C & C Auto in Burns.

Gary enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1966 and went to San Diego, California for boot camp. He was then assigned to Air Patrol Squadron VP-46 flying in P3’s as Ordinanceman responsible for the Norden Bombsight. Next he was transferred to VO-67, flying P2V’s out of Thailand. VO-67 was a highly classified mission during the Vietnam War and received no official recognition of its support of Khe Sanh for over forty years. 

In December of 2007, Secretary of the Navy John H. Chafee issued a special citation: “For exceptionally meritorious service from 15 November 1967 to 2 July 1968 during special operations in Southeast Asia. Although sustaining extensive operating damages and losses, and despite harsh climatic conditions at a remote operating base, the flight crews and ground crews and ground support personnel of Observation Squadron SIXTY-SEVEN consistently carried out their highly important and most sensitive missions with outstanding skill and dedication. 

The successful initiation of this new operation provided a significant and vital contribution to the art of warfare. By their courage, perseverance, and unfailing devotion to duty throughout this period, the officers and men of Observation Squadron SIXTY-SEVEN upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

Gary Carlson was a “car guy” and his love of classic cars started before he was licensed to drive. He loved to tell about his 1962 Chevy 409, his 1963 Corvette Sting Ray, and especially the tropical turquoise 1956 Chevy 150 he was often seen driving around Harney County. He was a member of the Grant County Kruzers Car Club in Prairie City for many years.

Gary was known for his expertise in rebuilding carburetors and all things mechanical. The welding skills he learned in high school served him well when he designed and built his grandson Matthew a drift trike and fashioned a wood stove out of an old propane tank. 

General aviation flying was a life-long interest for Gary. He began as a student pilot in 1965 and flew various airplanes until 2013. He loved to reminisce about those planes he flew, including a Piper 140, a PA-12, and finally a Cessna 172 (N3840 Lima) in partnership with John Wilson.

Gary was preceded in death by his father and mother, and his brother and sister. He is survived by his wife, Patsy; daughter, Pamela with grandson, Matthew James, daughter, Rebecca and husband, Brant with grandchildren, Kaylan, Brady, Morgan, Tanner and Olivia; sister-in-law, Sandee; brother-in-law, Bill; nephews, Chris, Charlie, John and Joe; and cousins, Suzy, Molly and Bill; and many, many more loved ones.

Gary spent his life caring for other people and was intent on not putting off until tomorrow what could be done today. As a man of quiet faith who lived his principles, he was always ready and willing to help his neighbors and friends and was never heard to say “no” to anyone in need. Throughout his life, Gary was a kind and gentle master to many dogs who were his faithful companions. He was also a masterful storyteller and loved hunting and exploring the outdoors. Gary was a playful and fun-loving man who valued his family above all else.

A celebration of life will be announced and held at a later date. Donations in Gary’s memory may be made to the Portland Shriners Hospital.