[br][br]Born on February 23, 1930, to Walter and Catherine Carlson in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Thomas Carlson passed away quietly in his Spokane, Washington, home on February 24, 2016. A graduate of Wayzata High School in 1947 and the University of Minnesota in 1954 (despite being on academic probation for nine quarters), Tom married Edith Holmes in 1952.
After an honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, Tom began his accounting career, notably as a CPA with Horwath & Horwath and Ernst & Ernst. In 1967, he joined the McFarland Pole Company in Sandpoint, Idaho, where he worked for most of his professional life. After a period of private practice as a CPA in Bellevue and Spokane, Tom retired in 1990; he enjoyed bowling, skiing, and going for long motorcycle rides. A skilled cribbage player, he also played Pitch with anyone who didn't try to shoot the moon on every hand.
Survived by his wife of 63 years, Edith, he is also survived by his daughter Linda (Mike) Rackovan, and his sons, Tom, James (Mary), Tobin (Tani), Michael (Terry), and his special family members Minh and Quang Huynh, in addition to 13 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Marnie Fonder and his brother Walter "Bud" Carlson. A memorial service will be held on March 16, 2016, at the 1st Presbyterian Church at 318 S Cedar St, Spokane, WA. Memorial donations may be sent to International Students, Inc, PO Box C, Colorado Springs, CO, 80901-3000.