Obituary of Leland J. Carlson

Leland J. Carlson, 76, went to his heavenly home on October 30, 2016 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace, both in life and in death. Lee was born to Martin and Margaret Carlson, on September 14, 1940 at Red Bank Farm in Lander, PA. He graduated from Southwestern Central School in 1958 and pursued a mathematics degree from SUNY Fredonia, graduating in 1967. He accepted a position as a high school math teacher at Falconer Central School, where he would teach for 31 years. He retired in 1999 due to Multiple Myeloma. He was active in the Falconer Education Association, serving many years as president and chief contract negotiator. In 1998 he was honored by The Officers, Delegate Body and Members of Falconer Education Association with the Distinguished Service Award. In 2002 he was also recognized by NYSUT Southwestern Regional Office for his outstanding service to the Falconer Education Association. While at Falconer, he had the joy of coaching the boy's junior high basketball team for many years. Although he was known for his humility and putting others ahead of himself, he was grateful to the class of 1999 for dedicating their yearbook to him. Lee was an active member of the Camp Street United Methodist Church, having served in many areas of ministry since 1963. He was a member of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association and the Southern Chautauqua Retired Teachers' Association. He was also a member of the Jamestown Vikings, Ingjald Lodge No. 65, a Scandinavian organization. He married Sharon I. Swanson on August 28, 1965 in Jamestown, NY, having recently celebrated their 51st anniversary in Branson, MO. Together they raised four children whose love of family and love of Christ will be a lasting legacy of their father's love. He enjoyed spending the winter at their home in Betmar Acres, Zephyrhills, FL. Lee was a kind, soft-spoken, listener and always had time to answer a question or solve a problem, no matter how small. He is dearly missed by his family, who celebrate the fact that after 19 years of daily challenges due to ill health, he is now at peace with the Lord. Lee is survived by his wife, Sharon of Ashville, NY; his son, Pastor Lee Carlson (Michele) of Clifton Park, NY; his daughters, Cherie Atkins (Stephen) of Heath, OH, Christine Jenkins (Randy) of Strasburg, VA and Melissa Gregory (Aaron) of Liberty Township, OH; his grandchildren Joshua and Sarah Atkins, Benjamin and Samantha Carlson, Nathanael, Alexandria, and Danielle Gregory and Nicholas, Luke and Ryan Jenkins; his sisters Loraine Jett (Floyd), Connie Sherman, and Cathy Bucklin (Bruce); and his brothers, Richard Carlson (Maribelle, deceased) and Roger Carlson (Yvonne). He was preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Margaret Carlson and his in-laws, Elton and Nita Swanson. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Camp Street United Methodist Church. Pastors Jennifer Delahoy and Lee Carlson will officiate. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday in the Lind Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Camp St. United Methodist Church, 110 Sanford Drive, Jamestown, NY 14701; or Roswell Park Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 631, Buffalo, NY 14240-0631.