Richard “Dick” Carlson entered the world under difficult circumstances, left as an infant and passed through foster care before finding a permanent home. Those early challenges could have narrowed his path, but instead they shaped a resilience that carried him forward. As a young man, he joined the U.S. Marines, embracing structure and discipline, and later carved out careers in journalism, public service, and national politics—fields that demand both grit and conviction. His life became a testament to how beginnings do not dictate outcomes.
To those who knew him well, Carlson was never driven by status or recognition. He was known as a thoughtful observer, a devoted reader, and someone who believed that understanding the world required skepticism and patience. Faith and discipline guided his thinking, but curiosity fueled it. He valued context over convenience and encouraged others to do the same, believing that clear thinking mattered more than easy answers.
At home, that philosophy took on a deeply personal form. As a father, Carlson approached parenting as both a responsibility and a calling. Everyday moments became opportunities to explore history, literature, and the patterns of human behavior. He challenged his sons to think independently, ask difficult questions, and remain unafraid of uncomfortable truths. Even during harder years, he stayed engaged and present, convinced that curiosity and courage were skills worth passing down.
Later in life, he found profound happiness with his wife, Patricia Swanson, building a home grounded in warmth and stability. Friends often said she brought balance to his intensity and gave him a lasting sense of peace. After her passing, he carried the loss quietly but continued to lead with gratitude and devotion to his family. In his final weeks, he chose connection and clarity, surrounded by loved ones. Richard “Dick” Carlson’s life stands as proof that someone can begin feeling unwanted and still leave this world deeply valued—remembered not just for what he endured, but for the love, integrity, and strength he chose every step of the way.