David Roger Carlson

May he rest now in eternal peace…

After over 20 years of battling a debilitating degenerative back disease and later diabetes, David Roger Carlson succumbed to his illnesses and passed away peacefully Wednesday May 20, 2020 at 11:30 pm at St. John's Regional Hospital in Oxnard, CA. He was preceded in death by his father Roger Alvin Carlson and is survived by his mother Mary Henrietta Carlson; sister Kimberly Marie La Rue and her husband Carl Kevin La Rue; nephew Carl Ethan La Rue; and niece Emily Rose La Rue. He also enjoyed a close familial bond with cousin Steve Walmann, who lives in nearby Camarillo, and his many cousins in Minnesota.

David grew up in Santa Barbara, CA and graduated from San Marcos H.S. and played varsity basketball. He developed a strong passion for fishing, hunting, and camping with friends. A good-natured man, he owned a boat, loved the outdoors, and found a calling at a major sporting goods retailer, Big 5, where he worked for nearly 7 years as a manager/turn-around expert until his father died. David then moved back to Santa Barbara to be near his family and renewed connections with his roots there. After the move, his interest in guns led him to Far West Guns, where he worked until he couldn’t any longer.

In the early 2000s, David was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a chronically painful back disease that strikes men of mostly Norwegian heritage in their early adulthood. He was able to work and live on his own for some time after that, but eventually moved in with Mary who was by then living in Oxnard, CA, until his passing.

David’s heart was big and no more was this evidenced by his love for sister Kim’s kids with whom he cherished their personal relationships. Though money was always tight, David never failed to miss a birthday or Christmas, giving thoughtful gifts that served to strengthen the bonds between them.

Later in life, David’s kind heart was also shown by the generosity he bestowed upon many friendships made while living in Oxnard. He accepted them for who they were and empathized with their circumstances. And, rather than sports or outdoor activities, he journaled almost every day and enjoyed collecting coins, sports cards, and stamps.

David will be greatly missed by all who knew him. His memory lives on, now and forever. If you have photos or stories/tributed to David, please share them!