Obituary of Steven A. Carlson

Steven A. Carlson of Lakewood, NY, passed away peacefully in his home on November 25, 2019. He was 67 years old. A lifelong area resident, he was born August 3, 1952, in Jamestown, a son of the late Arthur D. Carlson Jr and Phyllis J. Eggleston Carlson. He grew up in Celoron, but spent most of his time on the outlet of Chautauqua Lake at Carlson's Boat Livery, gathering night crawlers, catching minnows, launching boats, and helping his father with the family business any way he could. It was a simple life, a time that he considered the best time to grow up in. He was a 1970 graduate of Southwestern Central School where he enjoyed playing football, running track, and playing the clarinet in the school band. He later graduated from Alfred University with a degree in land surveying. He apprenticed under Francis E. Jenkins, Civil Engineer, before starting Steven A. Carlson L.L.S Land Surveying. He was involved in several of the areas most prominent projects; including the layout of Chautauqua Lake Bridge, the reconstruction of Foote Avenue, the layout of Wal-Mart Supercenter and SAMS Club, the layout of Tops on Washington Street, the layout of the Apple Yard subsidized housing units located on E Second Street, several housing developments and DEC wetland projects, and countless residential property surveys. He was also co- owner, along with his siblings, of Carlson's Boat Livery. He enjoyed talking with all the people at the boat livery and all those he encountered through his work. It brought him great joy to share information and a simple question could easily turn into an hour long discussion. In his early years, he enjoyed working with wood and built many things for his family that most would buy from a store; furniture, toys, and kitchen tools. He loved spending time outdoors cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and snow shoeing on the manicured trails he groomed on his property. He also enjoyed paddling his canoe down the outlet to explore everything it offered. Steve and his wife Linda had/have a deep compassion for animals, rescuing and adopting many unwanted dogs and horses. One of his proudest accomplishments was building his own log home with the help of his father and two sons. Steve was passionate about the history and care of Chautauqua Lake. He was invited on May 19, 2018 to WJTN for an hour long discussion regarding how his father started Carlson's Boat Livery after WW2, and growing up on Chautauqua Lake. His last excursion down the outlet, and perhaps his greatest, was a family trip on the Chautauqua Belle in October. Steve was surprised and honored when the Captain called him up to the Wheelhouse to pilot the boat and give an unrehearsed narration of the history of steamboats on Chautauqua Lake. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur D. Carlson Jr, who died February 8, 2010 and his mother Phyllis J. Eggleston Carlson, who died December 16, 1999. His greatest passion of all was his love of his family. Surviving are his wife Linda Whitehill Hujber Carlson; two sons Jason (Julie) Carlson of Niobe and Geoffrey Carlson of Ashville; two granddaughters Isabella and Stella Carlson of Niobe and siblings Leslie Carlson (Roderick Robert) of North Dakota, Janice Newcomb of Celoron, Kim (Lenny) Ingrao of Jamestown, Neil Carlson ( Karen Zickgraf) of Frewsburg, and Tracy (John) Smith of Celoron. In keeping with Steve's wishes, no funeral or visitation will be observed. Memorials may be made to Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, 413 N Main St, Jamestown, NY 14701. You may leave words of condolence at at lindfuneralhome.com