Born in 1918 on a farm in Warren Oregon, Carl was the youngest in the family with an older brother and sister. His father John died when was 11 years ild, just prior to the beginning of the "Great Depression” making life hard on his family in their early years. Since Carl’s father was part of a large Scandinavian family of commercial fisherman living near Portland, Oregon, his mother Anna soon moved to the little community of Faloma to be with the rest of the family.

Growing up Carl spent many days on the Columbia River sailing his boat and running salmon nets with his Uncle 's Gabe and Charley. After studying electronics at Benson High School, he decided to join the 3C's rebuilding National Forest camps as part of the “New Deal” to get Americans back to work. Much of his 3C work was along the Columbia River Gorge working at various forest camps and monuments. While in the 3C’s he continued commercial fishing and sailing whenever he had the chance.

Carl met his eventual wife, Helen, at a dance with her four sisters in 1939. Not long after the first draft was initiated in 1941, and as luck would have it Franklin Roosevelt pulled his name out of a fish bowl in the first draft.

One of the stories Carl often told was how he was smuggled off the base under the back seat of Helen’s Carl so they could get married.. Unfortunately, he didn't make it back in time to make the freighter taking his company to Hawaii. He was charged with AWOL and wasn’t with the rest of his unit when it met its destiny at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941. He was reassigned shortly afterwards and served with the 41st Infantry Division of the Army for the duration of World War II

After injuring his feet, Carl was assigned as a driver for a military police unit. Then, after the war, he purchased an Army surplus dump truck and began his career as a truck driver and eventually an excavating contractor in the Portland area. His hard work provided enough for Carl to personally build his family home there in 1947.

He loved technology his whole life and in 1953 purchased the first black and white TV in their neighborhood. Also, two sons, Bruce and Carl Jr., were born in Portland.

Carl had taken a number of trips to California over the years, many to the Long Beach area. The hardships in his early years had long instilled in him a life-long dream to send his boys to college. The California State supported school system offered a great opportunity for his children that did not exist in Oregon. When he had the chance, he sold his home and business and moved his family to California and make his dream come true.

Long Beach was his early destination, but something inside told him that he needed to keep moving south. When he reached Huntington Beach he immediately fell in love with the community and it’s unique environment. He found a home near Garfield and Beach Boulevard, the perfect place for his family to live for the next 41 years.

Carl will be remembered most by his family and friends, who he loved dearly. As a father he instilled principals on his kids that have carried over to his grand kids as well. Principles like 'Always finish what you start", "Never Quit", and 'The Job doesn't get done by looking at it" are a few things that come to mind.

As stated by his Grandson Jason, “When I was little, I often wondered why my dad would say things like this to me. I just didn't understand what the big deal was to finish what you start or why you should never quit, but as I got older they began to make sense. He has given to this family so much in his years with us that his memory will live on for generations to come.

It goes without saying, Carl loved and enjoyed his grandkids immensely! He taught them to play checkers and chess, card games, and to make paper airplanes,' which often resulted in wars in the Carl’s kitchen.

Along with his wife Helen, he attended every sporting event, recital, or school play, just as he did with his own kids when they were growing up. Papa wasn't an outwardly affectionate person, but there was no doubt how proud he was and how much he truly loved all his grandchildren.

Carl is survived by his wife of 64 years, Helen,' Sons, Bruce and Carl Jr., Sister Violet, five grandchildren, Reed, Alexis, Jason, Kevin and Tarin, two great grandchildren, Mason and Clayton, along with several nieces and nephews.

We will miss you

To a story written by Reed Gabrielson

We will miss you