Christopher Carlson Obituary

"Music is what feelings sound like."

--- author unknown

Christopher Carlson, born April 22, 1983 in Kansas City, MO, passed away January 22, 2018 in Portland, OR at the age of 34.

As a creative soul and accomplished musician, Christopher was proficient in all varieties of instruments in the percussion family including timpani, drum kit, marimba, etc. Over the past 12 years Christopher concentrated primarily on vibraphone. Chris performed solo as well as with many individual musicians in duets, trios, quartets, and in various bands, ensembles, and orchestras in California, Kansas City, Portland, Japan, Spain, and Lawrence, KS. Classically trained, Jazz filled most of his repertoire the last 12 years of his life. Nothing gave Chris more joy than playing music with family and friends for hours at a time. There was never too much music.

He was a Marine Corp veteran stationed in Okinawa Japan the majority of his 5 year tour from the years 2000 to 2005. During that time he had the opportunity to travel to South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Guam, and The Philippines as a member of the Marine Corp Band.

Christopher was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Robert Taylor, grandmother Bonnie Taylor and paternal grandfather John Carlson. Chris is survived by his mother, Deborah Taylor Boyd and her husband Charles (Kimberlin Boyd, Kevin Deaton), his father, Steven, and his wife Donna (Alexandra Carlson, Nico Carlson), and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

If you would like to honor Christopher, please make contributions in his name to Family Promise of Lawrence, an organization which helps homeless families with children achieve and maintain permanent housing. Christopher was a volunteer and enthusiastic supporter of Family Promise while in Kansas. Contact Family Promise online at Lawrencefamilypromise.org or by mail at PO Box 266, Lawrence, KS 66044.