We are saddened to share that Stanley Sam Carlson passed away on May 20, 2026, at the age of 75.
Stanley was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, on September 9, 1950, to Sam Alver Carlson and Dorothy Carlson (née Grainger). As a young man, Stan found that school wasn’t really his thing. Instead, he chose to join the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry and served proudly from 1967 to 1971. After his military service, he started a long and proud career with the Thunder Bay Police Force in October 1971 as officer #128.
He gave three decades of dedicated service protecting the community he cared about deeply before retiring in spring 2001. Most of his time on the force was spent patrolling Simpson Street where he took real pride in making a difference for people around him. Anyone who knew Stan understood how quietly committed he was to helping others and how seriously he took his responsibilities.
Stan was a big personality but underneath all that toughness was a kind soul. He enjoyed fishing, camping and just being out in nature. He had an amazing knack for fixing small engines-whether it was snowmobiles, ATVs or boat motors. You could often find him tinkering away in his garage or lending a hand getting an engine running again. Teaching others came naturally too – especially his “adopted son” Paul – as he gladly shared everything he knew with anyone interested.
He never liked sitting still for long and always had some project going on. He couldn’t resist snapping up a good bargain either! In later years, Stan really got into exploring Google and You Tube to pick up new tips and tricks for repairs.
Stan lost the love of his life, Jennifer Carlson (née Zienkewicz), back in 1998.
More than anything else though, Stan was proud of being a dad and granddad. He leaves behind his son Kevin and Kevin’s partner Laura along with his treasured grandchildren Hannah and Parker. Also staying close is Molly – his loyal dog of nineteen years.
The family wants to thank everyone at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre – especially those at the Cancer Clinic – plus the caring folks at St. Joseph’s Care Group Hospice Unit (4 North) for their kindness and support during this time.
Following Stan’s wishes there won’t be any funeral service held. A celebration of life will happen sometime down the road.
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