NEIL EDWIN CARLSON

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NEIL EDWIN CARLSON

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Neil Edwin Carlson on October 9, 2025, in the presence and loving embrace of his family.

Neil was born on September 10, 1943, to Edwin and Beda Carlson, in Winnipeg, MB. He is predeceased by his wife, Marilyn (Lynn), whom he loved so dearly. Neil leaves behind his children Terri (John), Marni (Dale), and Neil Jr (Rachel). He is also survived by his grandchildren Lauren (Jesse), Kirk (Nicole), and Greg (Karen), as well as his two great-grandchildren, Nora and Ellis.

Neil dedicated his working life to establishing and growing multiple successful businesses. He initially began his career as a certified tradesman and worked alongside his father, Edwin, who started Carlson Decorating Co. in 1939. Neil joined his father’s company in 1964 and learned the family business over many years, eventually becoming president. His exceptional instincts and understanding of the manufacturing industry led to the formation of Carlson Engineered Composites in 1980, which specialized in the production of fibreglass-reinforced composite products. The Carlson Group later grew to be composed of four companies: Carlson Engineered Composites (CEC), CEC USA, Carlson Commercial and Industrial Services, and Carlson Truck Outfitters. Neil’s venture into fibreglass manufacturing was immensely successful and garnered formal recognition of his many achievements.

Of the multiple accolades awarded to Neil, his most prized was his induction into the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Hall of Fame in 2017. Neil was also active and highly recognized within his various communities. He was a longtime member of the Winnipeg Executive Association, Construction Labour Relation Council, and the Trade Section of the Winnipeg Construction Association. He sat on the board of the Alzheimer’s Association. Neil also dedicated time to his Swedish and Scandinavian communities with significant involvement in Vasalund, the Scandinavian Cultural Center, and the Swedish Council of America. He served as the Honorary Consul of Sweden from 1980 until 2018. Highlights during those years include hosting a reception for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia, and attending the Consular Conference in Sweden. He received multiple honours from the Swedish Government, including the Knight of The Royal Order of the Polar Star Class I (1997), Commander of the Royal Order of The Polar Star, and Queen of Canada’s Jubilee Order (1952-2002).

Although his career brought significant success and recognition, Neil's love above all else was for his wife, Lynn. The pair first met in 1972 while Carlson Decorating was completing work on the Bank of Montreal on Portage Avenue, where Lynn worked. The love they shared led to their eventual marriage in 1980 and his adoption of Lynn’s two daughters. With their addition, Neil had three children whom he showed great love and pride for throughout his life: Neil Jr, Terri, and Marni. Driven by his love of boating, Neil spent many enjoyable years yachting with Lynn, and their family, at the Royal Manitoba Yacht Club and in Gimli before relocating to Northern Harbour in Kenora. His greatest nautical accomplishment was the Seven C’s, a vessel he built himself and completed in 1989, aptly named after the seven members of the Carlson family. During the winter months Neil and Lynn enjoyed vacationing down south in Palm Springs, California. The two loved one another so deeply and were consistent pillars of love and support to their children and grandchildren. Although we are devastated by the loss of our dad and grandpa, we can find strength in knowing that he can be at peace and reunited with our mom and grammie. Their love will continue on, and they will be with us, always.

We would like to thank the tireless efforts of the many physicians, nurses, and healthcare staff at St. Boniface Hospital that cared for Neil. Dr. Troncone, Dr. Fultz, and Dr. Jacobsohn provided the highest level of medical and surgical care possible to our dad and grandpa. They also displayed incredible compassion and empathy towards our family, which provided welcomed support during such a difficult time - your contributions will never be forgotten.

The Celebration of Life will take place Friday, October 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society or the I.H. Asper Institute at St. Boniface Hospital are welcomed.

“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give but cannot. All the unspent love gathers up in the corner of your eyes, the lump in your throat and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”

- Jamie Anderson

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 18, 2025