Chris Carlson, everyone’s friend, died on March 27th while surrounded by music, love and family. The sun took over the gray sky and a double rainbow appeared just after his passing. He was 51.
He is survived by his wife Nicole Santos Carlson, daughter Olivia, and sons Xavier and Sebastian; his father Dan Carlson and sister Jen Carlson; loving sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Brigitte Dreier Carlson.
In the town of Redding, CT, where Chris grew up, he could often be found out on the baseball field. From Little League at the Redding Boys and Girls Club to the varsity team at Joel Barlow High School, Chris’s love of the game was profound. And that meant every game: baseball, basketball, football, lacrosse… you name it, and Chris was on the field, coaching on the sidelines, or in the stands cheering. In fact, even if you weren’t an athlete, Chris was likely cheering you on — his support and encouragement for everyone in his life ran deep.
Sports have the unique ability to bring people together, and so did Chris. Throughout his life he was a great unifier — planning gatherings, holiday dinners, group trips to Phish shows, and RV adventures to see games at his alma mater, West Virginia University. Even Sunday mornings became a beloved tradition with the Sunday Morning Breakfast Club he formed with his kids (guests always welcome).
Chris was also an active community member, and opened Personal Training Professionals (PTP) in his home of Ridgefield, CT in 2009. His welcoming smile and open arms greeted everyone who stepped through the doors or crossed paths with him in town. Community, friendships and family meant everything to Chris, and his knack for nurturing it all is just one of his legacies.
It is impossible to capture all of Chris in one piece of writing, and he had so much more life left to live. But what a remarkable impact he had while here — a huge heart, an incredible sense of humor, intelligence, creativity and passion, and an endless well of love, optimism, and strength.
Chris was the greatest father, husband, son, brother, and friend anyone could hope for, and he brought immeasurable positivity to the world around him.
A lover of music, he would always conclude the updates he wrote with song lyrics. In that tradition, and to quote one of Chris’s favorite musicians, Trey Anastasio, here are lyrics from a song we listened to a lot in his final days here:
We move through stormy weather
We know that our days are few
And we dream and we struggle together
And love will carry us through
Family and friends will be received on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.