In loving memory of Florence Eleanor Carlson, who passed away at the Red Lake Margaret Cochenour Memorial Hospital with her family by her side on September 12th, 2017, just short of her 103rd birthday.
She will be sadly missed by her sister Janette, her children, Hugh (Enid) Carlson, Craig (Roseanne) Carlson, grandchildren Arthur Carlson, Stephanie (Jeremie) LeBlanc, Gwyneth (Wade) Carlson, Mallory (Dougall) Thompson, Harriet (Charlie) Carlson, and great-grandchildren Rhian, Gabriel, Charlotte, and Olivier. Florence is predeceased by her husband, Arthur (in 1996, after 55 years of marriage) and children Ann (1945) and Ray (1966).

Florence was born in Blenheim Township, Oxford County, Ontario, on September 23, 1914, shortly after the First World War had broken out. Her parents Eliza Ann and Allan Ray Bond went on to have 6 more children - Janette, Ella, Ernest, Agnes, James, and Art, with whom she remained close. The family were faithful members of Chesterfield United Church. Florence attended high school in Woodstock and graduated with her teaching degree from the London Normal School in 1933. She taught and was also a governess.
Florence met the love of her life, Arthur Carlson, when he asked her to dance at Playter Hall in Toronto. They were married November 8th, 1941. In the following new year, Arthur and Florence, moved 1800 km from Toronto to Savant Lake, Ontario, to take up work as caretakers of the defunct St. Anthony Gold Mine. In true pioneer spirit, Florence lived resourcefully and adapted to the northern lifestyle. Florence and Arthur had four children - Ann, Ray, Hugh and Craig.

In 1947, Florence and Arthur moved to Red Lake, Ontario, where they started Viking Island Camp. Florence was passionate about geography and loved to meet people from across North America. Many of her guests at Viking Island became close, lifelong friends. After semi-retiring in 1980, Florence continued to help out Enid and Hugh at Viking Island. She loved to garden, visit with friends, and help out with meals. Arthur meticulously built their family home in 1955, where they lived outside of tourist season.

Florence spent her golden years as a prominent community member in Red Lake. She was a member of the United Church Women's Auxiliary, Pioneer Club, Red Lake Museum Board, Order of the Eastern Star, and a dedicated supporter of the Emergency Shelter. Her adventurous nature also took her travelling at every opportunity. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren, watch musicals and listen to the radio, write letters, and of course, garden.

Florence lived in the family home until she was 101 years old, where she enjoyed visits from friends, family, and neighbours. She also enjoyed watching Howey Bay and the airplanes taxiing back and forth. Her last two years were spent at Northwood Lodge, living alongside her friend Linda Cheney, in Red Lake. The family would like to thank all the community members and staff who helped make Florence's last years comfortable and enjoyable.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, September 18th at 1 pm in the Chukuni Anglican/United Church with Kevin Miller officiating.

If friends desire, donations can be made to the Red Lake Area Emergency Shelter through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.