William (Bill) R. Carlson

William R. Carlson, 69, died peacefully at his home on Oct. 22, 2014.

Bill was born in Ironwood, Mich., on May 30, 1945, to Clarence and Ann Carlson. After graduating from Washington Park High School in 1963, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and graduated in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree in parks and recreation administration. He then earned his master's degree in recreation administration at Indiana University-Bloomington.

Bill began his career at the Evanston (Ill.) Parks and Recreation Department. He went on to open and manage the Franklin Park Ice Arena. His talents didn't go unnoticed. In 1977, he was recruited to run the Mission Viejo Skateway, which brought him to California.

After 30 years of experience owning and operating successful businesses in amusement and entertainment, retailing and international development, he turned to consulting. He consulted and mentored hundreds of businesses, helping them grow and prosper.

Bill had a zest for his life. His greatest joy was teaching people to have fun. He was passionate about his family, his life, his work and had grace beyond measure. His greatest pride was his children and grandchildren.

Bill is survived by his children, Jonathan Carlson, of Sunset Beach, Calif., Tami Carlson and her husband Geoff Towle, of Sebastopol, Calif., Grady Carlson, of Weymouth, Mass., and Jody Carlson and his wife Brooke, of Steamboat Springs, Colo .; and grandchildren, Charlotte, Dylan, Kamden, Ava and Brooklyn. He is also survived by siblings Richard Carlson (Carol), of Negaunee, Mich., Ray Carlson (Carolynne), of Ironwood, Barbara Smith, of Racine, Wis., and Jesse Carlson (Kathleen), of Negaunee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Ava.

A Lifetime of Fun memorial will be held on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2014, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Epic Rollertainment, 39809 Avenida Acacias, in Murrieta, Calif.

At his request, memorial contributions can be made to UW-L Foundation, Bill Carlson Scholarship, at UW-La Crosse, P.O. Box 1148, La Crosse, WI 54602.