March 29, 1930 - July 16, 2022
In loving memory ~
Artist DidYmus Bernadotte - B. Arch
Glenn Carlson was born in Provost, Alberta 1930.
Growing up in the Canadian prairies, Glenn was fascinated with the resonance of the old wild west of his youth and dreamed of being a cowboy, or an artist. The later, being inspired with the elaborate painted murals and stage sets of the old opera houses, flickering in the kerosine lantern lite stages.
His father, Adolph Carlson was road master for the CPR. The family lived throughout Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, shifting location with Mr. Carlson's job locations, living in station house and company owned homes. Having the privilege of accompanying his dad, Glenn as a youth road in the engine cars and cabooses of the old steam trains gaining great respect and knowledge of for engineering with a deep curiosity of how things worked.
Taking a train from Shaunavon to Winnipeg, Manitoba he continued his education at the University of Manitoba. Glenn was educated in engineering, fine art and graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture.
In the 1950's, Glenn was responsible for redesigning the Calgary Zoo when bars cages where replaced by open pit areas.
The early 1960's brought him and his growing family to Moose Jaw where Glenn taught Architecture and Design at the Institute of Technology.
Moving to Prince Albert, Saskatchewan in the mid 1960's, Glenn established his own Architectural firm designing a number of the new Northern Saskatchewan school that were being built at that time,
Glenn retired early from architecture due to a car accident limiting the time he could comfortably sit at a chair.
Moving to Vancouver, Glenn embarked on a 12-year adventure of living aboard his various boats. The first two being 75' and 85' vessels which he chartered out of the Bay Shore Inn, Vancouver.
Later, Glenn converted a 35' fishing boat into a comfortable live aboard. Giving him the freedom to be moored and live at scenic coastal communities around Vancouver Island. While aboard this boat, he enjoyed reading, working as a commercial fisherman, care-taking remote properties and worked as a builder and designer.
During this time, Glenn became absorbed in the study of aesthetics - (the philosophy of art and beauty). He found proportion perfected in ancient architecture and art of great masters and was especially inspired by the art that contained 'Fractals' and the 'Golden Mean' (Golden Rectangle).
His respect for perfection of mathematics and the use of the Golden Rectangle in his art resulted in pleasing proportions as seen in the natural world launching his personal, artistic and spiritual pursuit of 'Truth, Beauty, and Goodness.'
Often described as Mid-century modern style, his paintings bring light to his Scandinavian heritage as well as his interest in history, architecture and spirituality. His simple colour palette comes from years of architectural colour schemes and are representative of the blue frosty skies and white prairie winter of his youth in central Canada. His work often depicts the beauty of calm reflected horizons experienced from his years of living on a boat.
Glenn Carlson died peacefully at the age of 92 in his home studio in Ucluelet, BC, surrounded by his ART of which he experienced much joy and fulfilment.
Glenn was predeceased by his parents Adolph - Sadie (Holmstrom) Carlson. Sisters, Joyce Herman, Rose Carlson. Ex-wife Phyllis Carlson and his grandson Bree Cohen Carlson. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Signy (Howard) Cohen, Gail (Dave Howard) Carlson. Grandchildren: Jenny Cohen, Jesse Cohen, Taylor (Jamie) Howard and Kyle (Ashley) Howard. Great-grandchildren Owen, Arthur, and Enid. His many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A special thank-you to the Doctors, nurses, homecare, community services, family, friends and loved ones who created such a loving, safe caring and supported last months of his life with honouring and fulling his wish to die with respect at home.