Richard Harold Carlson

Richard Harold Carlson passed away peacefully in his home in Salt Lake City, Utah on July 4, 2023. His father, Harold W. Carlson; and mother, Jeanette R. Carlson, predeceases him. The surviving immediate family includes wife, Lynn M. Carlson; Jackie (daughter) and James Overturf; Dane (son) and Tatiana Carlson; and seven grandchildren (Abbie, Gracie, Emma, Margaret, Barett, Dane and Ricardo). Richard was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 18, 1942. He graduated from San Jose State University in Industrial Management where he met the love of his life, Lynn. They were married on November 25, 1967, and shortly after started a family in northern Illinois. Richard worked for his father at Hamm Brewery Sales for eight years and once earned Salesman of the Year. In 1974, Richard took a chance and founded Carlson Distributing Company, Inc. in Salt Lake City, Utah with four trucks and Olympia beer as the only brand. By building a formidable team and through market knowledge and strategic acquisitions, Carlson Distributing was able to grow into the successful company it is today. The company now has over four hundred brands including Miller, Coors, Corona, Guiness, Modelo, Pabst, Pacifico and White Claw. Richard loved all the people who worked for him and was intensely loyal to his Carlson Distributing family. Richard had a determination and energy level that were legendary. He worked countless hours to grow Carlson Distributing and made the company into a quintessential American success story. He had a contagious personality and presence that made you feel like the most important person in the room. Richard was the life of every event and party. When someone asked him what his favorite beer was, he would say: “The one I’m drinking right now.” He was a devoted family man and loved his wife and family fiercely. He loved his friends, many of whom he stayed connected with since junior high, high school and college. He was a humble and simple man who loved to work hard, play hard and win every challenge placed before him. He loved what he loved and would not let go of those things if his life depended on it. In terms of hobbies, Richard loved adventure, especially travelling and fishing around the world in beautiful, often remote places. He traveled from Iceland to Russia to the Indian Ocean and everywhere in between. He shared these adventures with family and friends and created unforgettable memories. Later in life, Richard placed a priority on building a relationship with God. He loved the Lord and had a deep gratitude to God for blessing him so greatly. We appreciated that he let people be themselves and love and cherish everything about him. Richard has gone to be with his Lord and Savior and will be greatly missed. A celebration of Richard’s life will take place on Monday, July 17th from 2pm to 5pm at Gracie's Bar located at 326 South West Temple, Salt Lake City, UT. It will be a wonderful time to remember Richard and we look forward to seeing everyone.

Richard Harold Carlson

October 8, 1942 - July 4, 2023