June 19 1931—March 26, 2015

Peacefully holding his daughter’s hand, Hal died at 6:23 am on March 26, 2015 at the age of 83.  Hal’s illness was just long enough for him to say goodbye to his family and many friends.  The youngest of three born to Axel and Georgina Carlson, Hal grew up in Burnaby and was close to his Aunt Nell and cousins.  Predeceased by his cherished brothers Bob and Harry.  Hal married Kathy in 1952 where they had Tony (Tina), Tim (Donna), Mary and Karin.  They lived in California where Hal had a Chevron Station and was active in Kiwanis. carlson,harold- younger-webThe family moved back to Victoria in 1966 and he worked in construction until 1983, when he became the Business Agent for the Painters and Allied Trades and worked until his retirement at 62.   Kathy and Hal parted ways in 1981, but remained life-long friends and allies, right up to his death.  Hal was an avid reader, a loyal father and friend and committed to making the world a better place. He believed all people deserved to be treated with dignity, receive fair wages and share in the wealth of this great country, and took whatever steps were necessary, including arrest on the picket line and subsequent jail time to fight for what he believed in.   While a business agent, Hal become lifelong friends with Art Glass and Andre Pel and other “Brothers”—Ivan, Chris, Al, and Gary –whom he had coffee with twice a week for the last  twenty years,  and  who visited him daily in the hospital.   “Gumpy” loved his grandkids—Kate, Rachel, Seamus, Mallory Erik (Lauren), Wade (Sarah), Timothy (Emma), and their mother Michelle.  Hal and Patty Mason were together the last 21 years.  He was a loving support to Patty’s children Jenny and Jessica (Karl) and to her grandchildren Connor and Meghan.   Hal had a big and loving heart and had plenty of love to go around.   He loved Patty’s family especially her sister Annie (Greg) and Patty’s extended network of girlfriends, which he aptly dubbed the “Happy Gang.”  All of our lives were enhanced by his kindness, humor, loyalty, and compassion.   He taught us above all, never to shy away from standing up for what is right and how a society treats its weakest member is the measure of its worth.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date–details to be published here in the weeks to come.  Special thanks to the wonderful staff of North 4 at the Patient Care Centre for their tender and supportive care of Dad and of us.   In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com.

  • Krista

    My dearest friend, Karin …..My heart goes out to you, Seamus, Mallory and to all of your family. I never had the opportunity to meet your dad, but I know that he was a remarkable man to have raised a daughter as wonderful as you are. Losing your father is so tremendously difficult, I know. Hugs and love sent to all of you.

  • Leslie Ivens

    My sincere condolences to the entire Carlson Family. Hal was an absolutely awesome guy always smiling and always had a story.

    His dedication to the labour movement was unparalleled, and his support for the New Democrats was appreciated by all.

    Leslie Ivens

  • Terry Davies

    So sorry to hear about the loss of Hal, we will always remember Hal as having a smile on his face and a practical joke on the way.. Hal was a true trade unionist ..and I’m sure he will be wanting to chair his next meeting,,,,

  • Dave Howe

    Very sad news to hear about Hal. We will all miss him, his humour and great wit, but we will never forget the lessons he taught us over the years about standing up – bless him for that.

  • Ivan Crossett

    Hal will be sorely missed by all of us, he was one of a kind and he was very lucky to have such a wonderful family and extended family. Our condolences to the family.
    Ivan and Irene

  • Rob Fleming

    I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences on the passing of Hal Carlson.

    As a long time supporter of the New Democratic Party, Hal demonstrated strong commitment and dedication to efforts that promoted social democracy. He did whatever he could to advance issues that would make a difference in peoples’ lives in the province of British Columbia and Canada as a whole.

    Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this time on behalf of my staff, the Official Opposition and myself.

    Sincerely,

    Rob Fleming, MLA
    Victoria – Swan Lake

  • Natalia Viveiros

    Hi Patty and Family,

    My condolences to your and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

  • Nora Cedar

    My sincere condolences for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • Bill and Nancye Hardman

    Bill travelled around Halifax and Cape Breton during a pension convention with Hal and were lifelong mates. Hal was a strong union man and believed everyone deserved “a fair go”. There’s not many like him and he will be sorely missed. We live in Queensland, Australia and sorry we couldn’t attend Hal’s service .

  • Lorrainne

    Mary and family- I am so sorry for you all with the loss of your dad.
    Lorrainne

  • Julia Smith

    I didn’t have the privilege of spending alot time with Hal, but would frequently see him in his car waiting to pick up Patty from work, or occassionally accompanying her to a work gathering. Hal would send Patty the most gorgeous flowers (which we all got to enjoy) and Patty always had the nicest things to say about him, his family & friends. He was always quick with a smile and a compliment – he was so kind and full of fun. You have all been so blessed and fortunate to have had such a wonderful shining light in your lives. After reading this lovely tribute, I’m sure Hal knew he was equally as blessed. An exemplary life. Bye Hal xo

  • Diane Roy-Van Alstyne & Gary Van Alstyne

    Tony, Tina and Family

    Sorry for your loss, our thoughts are with you.

  • Debbie Talbot

    I shed a tear today reading of Hal’s passing. My deepest condolences to all the family especially Tony and the boys. I will never forget Hal’s friendly face and how he always greeted me with a smile or a joke and treated me like I was someone special. He will be greatly missed !

  • Marilyn Thornton

    Donna and Tim: I’m sorry to hear about your loss. From the obituary, your father sounded like a strong and principled man. I’m sure you will miss him.

  • Nigel and Renza Brown

    Dear Tony and family,
    Our deepest condolences over the loss of your precious father Hal. Our thoughts and hearts are with you at this difficult time. He had a wonderful life, enriched by the love of his family and friends. Take care of yourselves. Nigel, Renza and family.

  • Julie Spooner

    I am so grateful that our paths crossed in this lifetime. Hal was such a good man! I will miss his kind demeanor and ability to make whoever was in his company feel so very special. Rest well Hal.

    Hugs
    Julie Spooner

  • Jane and Garrett

    Our condolences to all of Hal’s family and friends. Hal was sharp and witty and so sweet to my sis Patty and our nieces. We have great memories of our family trip to Vegas where it was hard to keep up with him. He so loved Edmonton winters! I swear his spirit passed through here this week…only to kick up yet another spring snow storm for his enjoyment. We loved you Hal and you will be missed by us all.

  • Kelly & Kim Mann

    So sorry to hear of Mr. C’s passing. While my meetings with him were infrequent, he was always quick to recall a time many years ago when I was a meter reader and I was in his yard as he was under his car cussing and yelling at whatever broken part was frustrating him.
    He was quick with a laugh and always was a welcoming man.
    May his time with all of you bring cherished memories.

    Kelly & Kim

    xo

  • Kit Filan

    Hal had a wonderful way of making everyone feel so special with his warm smile and attention to whatever you were saying. I loved the support and respect he gave our friend Patty. He will truly be missed by our Happy Gang. ” Say not in grief, he is no more, but in thankfulness, he was.”

  • Frieda and Art Glass

    Our heartfelt and deepest sympathy to the families. Hal was a loyal, compassionate and dear friend to us and many, many others. There was never a dull moment when he was around. Our Coffee Klatch meetings won’t be the same without Hal presiding over us. He will be sorely missed.

    Love Frieda and Art Glass

  • Melanie williams (Glass)

    Wishing you strength during such a difficult time. We have many fond memories. Please accept our deepest condolences.
    Melanie and Lee Williams
    Kurtis, Kristen and Kourtneay

  • Jackie Hendry

    My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time… May your memories give you peace and comfort.

    I am thinking about all of you and sending you my love…

    Jackie
    xoxo

  • Helen (Paterson-Wells) Rose

    My sincere condolences to the Carlson family. It was wonderful having the privilege of having your family as next door neighbours on Henderson Rd. for all those years. I have wonderful memories of you all. Your Dad /Husband was a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Much love always, Pat and Helen

  • Carolyn Thomas

    My warmest condolences to Patty and family – both immediate family members and all of the wide extended “family” of those who knew and loved Hal. Our “Happy Gang” events just won’t be the same without our Hal, but we’ll raise a glass at each future gathering in his honour! He was simply a wonderful guy, and we will miss him.
    hugs,
    C.

  • Parkers

    Our thoughts are with you all,” Carlsons” and family members
    Love Parkers

  • Konrad deGroot

    My sincerest condolences Hal will be missed.

  • Konrad deGroot

    My sincerest condolences Hal will be missed.

  • Madeline Duke

    I will always have fond memories of your Dad, with his smile and a word of positive acknowledgement every time he greeted someone. As a teen, he made me feel good about myself, and as an adult, he made me feel good about the world!
    He cared deeply for all of you, his family, and that quality will be admired and respected forever. xo The loss of a parent is a large one, it is a profound loss.
    I just KNOW he will be looking after you even after his passing. Love to you all!

  • Ron Allen

    Knowing Hal’s daughter, Karin as a coworker and good friend I have heard nothing but wonderful and loving stories about the whole family and especially her father.

    We, my wife Louise and I can only offer our sincere condolences, trusting in his happy place with God.

    Louise Blanchet-Smith & Ron Allen

  • Collett Traceu

    My warmest wishes and deepest sympathies to you all during this time of grief and mourning.
    Collett

  • Paul Gilmore

    sorry for your loss. I first met him at karin’s 50 th just talking about work related stories . Then the stories I heard through Mary and Karin sounds like a great father and friend.

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