Donald Richard Carlson

Donald Richard Carlson, 88, former resident of Thermopolis, passed away on July 31, 2020.

Don was born on July 1, 1932, to Leonard and Helen (Bufe) Carlson in Des Plains, Ill. He attended Knox College before enlisting in the Navy. He served in Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C., and Denver, Colo., during the Korean era. After being discharged from service, he returned to Knox College to finish his degree in Business Administration.

He met his future wife Agathe (Gay) in 1958 when he rented a room in a house belonging to Gay's aunt. They married on February 4, 1961, in Blue Island, Ill.

Don found his calling in Health Care Management. He was the hospital administrator in Buffalo, Wyo., from 1966-1969 and again in Buffalo from 1971-1980. He also served as Hospital Administrator in Columbus, Neb., from 1969-1971 and Thermopolis from 1980-1987. He culminated his career as President/Chief Executive Officer of San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington, N.M., from 1987-1999.

Don is survived by his brother, David Carlson; daughters, Laura (Quinn) Kilty and Amy Carlson; grandchildren, Eryn (Charles) Coleman, Collin (Erica) Kilty-Warfield and Victoria Carlson.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Agathe (Gay); son, Andrew Paul; grandson, Trevor, twin sister, Doris Buck; and parents, Leonard and Helen Carlson.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Don please consider donating to Four Corners Pet Pals, Inc, 14 Road 5316, Bloomfield, N.M. 87413.