Ronald Lee Carlson 2/7/1948 - 1/3/2022

Ronald Lee Carlson was born February 7, 1948 in Orange County, California to John and Gladys formerly of Chanute, Kansas. Ron had three older siblings Wayne, June and Dean, all immediate family members preceded him in death. After Ron's birth, his family moved to Meadow Vista, California where Ron attended Placer Hills Elementary and was a 1966 graduate of Placer High School in Auburn, California.After high school, Ron served in the U.S. Army. Trained as a helicopter pilot, he promoted to a Chief Warrant Officer 2 and served in the Vietnam War flying a UH-1 Huey. Not only did Ron receive the typical awards for those who served in Vietnam, but his military records reveal that he also earned the Army Aviator Badge and the Air Medal with 21 Oak Leaf Clusters. In addition to his combat service, he served as a flight instructor.Ron returned to civilian life and started a family which included his two children, Erik and Sara. He also embarked on what would be his life's work in residential and commercial construction; a trade that evolved in many ways over time. Later in life, he married an old girlfriend who ended up being his life partner, Maudelle. Together they moved to Priest River, Idaho, and for about 25 years, Ron and Maudelle pioneered a piece of land along the Selkirk Mountains. Ron established two businesses, Panhandle Cabinet Crafters and Carlson Construction, which were community staples of high quality woodworking. In 2016, a return to Northern California brought them closer to family where Ron and Maudelle lived in Grass Valley. Ron served the Auburn community by volunteering with the Native Sons of the Golden West at the Auburn Parlor #59, where he once served as the Parlor's president.Ron is survived by his wife of 30 years, Maudelle, son Erik Carlson, daughter Sara Zaffa, stepchildren Matt Haskin, Jason Haskin, Heather Barmore, grandchildren Casey Carlson, Taylor, Ian and Nicholas Zaffa, in addition to many other extended family and friends.Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 13th starting at 1pm at the Veterans Memorial Hall, 100 East St. in Auburn, California. Men are requested to wear a button up shirt with red suspenders in honor of our favorite craftsman. Full military honors to be presented on Monday, February 14th at 0900, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, California.