Leo E Carlson went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday morning, May 1st, 2015 in Mount Vernon, Washington. Leo was born to Gust and Hildred Carlson on March 24, 1932. He was the youngest of three children who were raised on a farm in Rolette, ND. He graduated from Rolette High School in 1951, then attended 2 years at Lakewood Bible College in Devils Lake, ND. While at bible college he roomed with the brother of his future wife, who introduced them and sparks flew! They married on June 15, 1954 at the Tokio Assembly of God church in a double wedding with her older sister and her fiancée. It was a festive occasion. Leo worked in North Dakota for the Great Northern railroad as a telegrapher in the depot. The couple moved to Washington State in 1963, first living in the Everett, Marysville area where Leo worked for Simpson Lee Paper Company in Everett. In 1968 he purchased a Foremost Dairy route in Skagit County and built a home in Burlington where they raised their 5 children. Leo operated the dairy route until 1977. The Carlson house was always a popular spot in the neighborhood where the kids could always pop in for an ice cream treat. Later Leo worked for the Burlington-Edison school district for 14 years until his retirement in 1997. He and Cleo became frequent travelers in their 5th wheel trailer, enjoying family and friends and numerous destinations including Mariner spring training in Arizona. Leo was known for his comedic antics and "Sven and Ole" jokes and for making others laugh. He has a place in the hearts of so many friends and family and will be sorely missed. Leo was a man of deep faith in his Heavenly Father. He professed Christ as his Lord and Savior and led a lifestyle that reflected his love for God. He is survived by his wife Cleo, their children and families: Doug and Barb, Marla and Guy, Curtis and Angie, Bradley and Susie, Gary and Ruth, his 8 grandchildren: Ryan (Bec), Jay (Angie), Jessilyn, Jonathan, Nathan, Andrew, James (Kelsey), Jandee, and 3 great grandchildren: Seth, Noah, and Owen. He is also survived by his sister Luella. He was preceded in death by his father Gust, mother Hildred, brother Floyd, and grandson Isaac. Viewing will be Thursday, 5/7 at Hawthorne Memorial Park on College Way, Mount Vernon from 9 AM to 4 PM. A celebration of his life will be Friday, 5/8, 4 PM at Cascade Christian Center, 2901 Martin Rd., Mount Vernon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leo's honor to the Stop Trafficking Project at www.stoptraffickingproject.com or directly to the First Baptist Church who will forward the donation. A few special thanks: The family would like to thank the entire staff at The Bridge in Mount Vernon for their compassionate and loving care to Leo the last days of his life. We are grateful beyond words for your kindness. In addition, a loving blessing upon Krista and Tanya from Hospice of the Northwest, who sweetly tended to Leo both physically and spiritually. You are dear to our hearts and his. Thank you