Thomas Leslie Carlson, 68, passed away on Saturday, September 18, 2021 in Spokane, Washington, from complications of COVID. Graveside funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021 at the Hope Cemetery in Hope, Idaho.
Tom was born on August 14, 1953 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Thomas and Edith Carlson. He grew up and attended schools in Spokane and Sandpoint, graduating from Sandpoint High School in 1971. Tom enlisted in the Army after graduation, serving mainly at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. He later earned two degrees from the University of Idaho in Psychology and Business, followed by a Master’s in Social Work from Eastern Washington University.
Tom worked for many years at Eastern State Hospital in Medical Lake as a social worker. He also cared for his parents and a beloved uncle in their later years.
Tom was a member of Faith Bible Church in Spokane. He found his greatest joy in spending time with friends in Spokane and Hope, where he kept his much-loved boat and a double deck of cards for playing crazy eights (University of Idaho rules).
Tom is survived by his siblings Jim (Mary) Carlson of Belgrade, Montana; Toby (Tani) Carlson of Spokane; Linda (Mike) Rackovan of Molalla, Oregon; Mick (Terry) Carlson of West Richland, Washington; and a host of adoring nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.