Paul Carson
Nov. 27, 1932 – Aug. 31, 2015
Paul Carson of Poulsbo died peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 31, 2015 at the age of 82, succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease. During his final days, he was lovingly surrounded by family and friends in his home of 53 years.
He was born Nov. 27, 1932 in Dickinson, North Dakota, to Donald Maurice Carson and Luella Sophia (Grimstead) Carson, and was raised in Mott, North Dakota.
In 1948, the family moved to Bellingham, where Paul graduated from high school in 1950. He and his family then moved to Poulsbo that same year. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953-1960, with four years of active duty and three years in the reserves, Airman 1st Class.
He married Joan Pauline Peterson at Poulsbo’s former Grace Lutheran Church in 1959.
Paul earned his degree in pharmacy from WSU in 1960 and began working at the family store, Carson Drugs, in downtown Poulsbo. He purchased the business from his father in 1963, and relocated it to a larger location in 1969, while still remaining downtown. He brought Doug Mong into the business as a partner in 1976.
Doug had worked for Carson Drugs as an employee pharmacist since 1964. Together, Paul and Doug expanded the reputation of Carson Drugs as a gathering place for the local community until its eventual closing in 1996.
Patrons and visitors alike could expect friendly service, cheerful conversation, and kindness to persons from all walks of life when they walked through the door.
Paul was also committed in service to the local community beyond the patrons of Carson Drugs. He was an active member in the Chamber of Commerce for many years, served as its president, and received the “Greater Poulsbo Man of the Year” award in 1969. After spearheading the campaign for Poulsbo to adopt the “Little Norway” theme, he was given a second award recognizing him as “The Father of Poulsbo’s Theme.” The success of this theme has enabled Poulsbo to become an increasingly attractive tourist destination to this day.
He further served the community as a member of the Board of Directors of the parks department and was a founding member of the Kitsap Audubon Society. He served as president of the latter and later was awarded the organization’s prestigious “Kingfisher Award.” In his later years, he was a member of the John Paul Jones chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Paul loved to travel the world, and did so with his wife Joan, visiting five of the seven continents. This gave him ample opportunity to engage in his love of outdoor photography, for which he was frequently published. He was an excellent swimmer and loved snorkeling, which he did each year when he and Joan snowbirded in Hawaii.
He enjoyed social activities that in some way involved music. He sang barbershop in a quartet with the Kitsap Chordsmen, and was a longtime member of the ballroom dance club, “Stardusters.” Paul and Joan’s home was a favored location for cheerful parties with family and friends where he loved playing host. He was passionate about classical music and enjoyed listening to it when relaxing.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joan Pauline (Peterson) Carson; son, Douglas Carson of San Francisco; daughter, Diane (Carson) Sabo and son-in-law Scott Sabo of Poulsbo; and grandsons, Garrett Sabo of Bothell, Cameron Sabo of Poulsbo and Nathan Sabo of Poulsbo.
We all love you very much “Dad” and “Papa.” We will miss you greatly.
A memorial service is scheduled for Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. at the Stone Chapel Poulsbo Mortuary in Poulsbo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation be made to: Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org); Hospice of Kitsap County (Hospicekc.org); Salvation Army or the charity of their choice.
