Richard Lyall Carlson

Richard Lyall Carlson, 68, passed away peacefully at his home in Post Falls, Idaho, on Jan. 12, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was born to Donald O. and Shirley (Tietsort) Carlson in Whittier, Calif., on May 2, 1952.

He loved adventure and had many wonderful experiences in his life. Whatever his hobby, adventure or next trip was, he was always so passionate about anything he did. He loved being outdoors, whether it was in the woods, on the open road, on the beach, out on the open water, or flying high in the sky.

Throughout his life, motorcycles have always been a big part of what he did. From riding his chopper in the 1970s, racing motocross in the 1980s, sport riding - both dirt bikes and snowmobiles - in the 1990s, to leisure cruising on his Harley in the 2000s.

When he wasn’t out riding, he was probably on a boat instead. Boating was another huge love for him. Small boats, large boats, sailboats - no boat was too big of a challenge for him. He loved being out on the water, fishing, playing and enjoying the beauty of nature.

In the 1980s he was an avid flyer, having received his pilot’s license two days after his daughter was born. Flying was a huge passion for him, and he flew for about 15 years. He then transitioned to remote control planes and boats. He was part of a few very dedicated flying clubs over the years, with the most recent being the CAMS flying club. Anyone who knows him, knows how much he loved flying his planes and running his boats.

He has had many other passions in life; and has always put his whole heart into anything he ever did. He loved his family immensely; and loved his dogs like children. He will be greatly missed.

Richard was preceded in death by his brother, Randie Carlson and his mother, Shirley Carlson. He is survived by his daughter, Toni (Carlson) McCurdy and son-in-law, David McCurdy of Hayden; step-daughter, Keli Howard of Moses Lake, Wash.; brother, Scott Carlson of Sun River, Ore.; sister, Jill Carlson of Carlsbad, Calif. and father, Donald O. Carlson of Sun City West, Ariz.; as well as one nephew, Randie, and twin granddaughters, Blake and Alexia.

A small private service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021.

In lieu of sending flowers, we are collecting donations in Richard’s memory for the non-profit organization Dogs for Better Lives out of Central Point, Ore. If you would like to plant a tree in memory of Richard, please visit the Tribute Store.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Richard’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.