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Bruce Edward Carlson, 49

Bruce Edward Carlson was born on Feb. 5, 1967, in Forks, Wash., to Arlena Jones and Bruce Edward Butler II. He was adopted by Darrel and Joann Carlson, currently of Post Falls, Idaho, when he was 4 years old. He joined a sister, Lori Ann Carlson, who was only 5 months older than he.

Bruce was educated in the Wallace, Idaho, school district beginning in Osburn through junior high and onto Wallace for high school. He joined the U.S. Army in December of his junior year of high school, acquiring his GED while in the service. He was part of the Wallace High School Class of 1986.

While in school, Bruce was a star wrestler competing in the lightweight class. He had a passion for encouraging young boys in the sport. He also worked part time at the Wallace and Kellogg pools as a lifeguard while in high school. He was always a good drawer/artist and that led on to an immense talent at carving later in life.

Bruce Edward Carlson, aka, Bruce Edward Butler III passed away Dec. 27, 2016, in Port Renfrew, B.C., Canada, where he had been residing since June 2001 when he reunited with his birth mother.

He is survived by his adoptive family, including aunts, uncles and cousins. Bruce also leaves behind the love of his life, his daughter, Jada Margaret Ann Charlie-Carlson. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Anne Trumbull, and Joseph (Bus) and Dolores Leischner; and an uncle, Cordes Carlson.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, in Canada.

Memorials can be made in Bruce’s name to YWAM Victoria, #102 527 Constance Ave., Victoria, BC, V9A 6N5, Canada, by check or money order, or by going to http://ywamvictoria.com/donate.html. Please designate donations “In Memory of Bruce Carlson — Port Renfrew outreach.”