4800 E Indian School Rd
Phoenix, AZ 85018
CARLSON, JOHN STEWART
John Stewart Carlson, 67, left his home in Phoenix, AZ, for his eternal heavenly home on March 17, 2021. John was born on August 16, 1953 in Nogales, AZ, to Dr. John S. Carlson and Mrs. Marion (Stewart) Carlson. He passed peacefully with his wife at his side and surrounded by his loving family.
After years of landscaping work and medical sales, John found his passion and life’s work in public service. His Political Science B.A. from Arizona State University led to an Arizona Senate internship and ultimately 30 years of contributions toward efficiency and safety in Arizona Transportation. John retired as AZ Department of Transportation, Director of Government Relations in January 2020, while battling cancer.
John loved gardening, fishing, golfing, watching sports, and vacations in San Clemente, CA, with his family. In retirement, he treasured the time he spent with his wife, daughter, grandson, and family. They were the light of his life!
Missing John, and still on earth, are his wife, Heather, his daughter Kaitlyn (Roman), his grandson Harrison, his brother David (Lupe), and his sister Marcy (Brent). Also, his stepfamilies Holly (Barbara), Eric (April), Laurie (Mike), and John (Lisa); and Estelle, Zale, and Zeann; and nephews and nieces Bill, Jennifer, Matt, Mara, Lindsay and Blake; and many loving in-laws, friends and colleagues.
He joined his youngest grandson Graham, beloved sisters Wendy and Shauna, and his parents, in God’s presence.
A memorial service honoring John will be held in Oak Creek Canyon on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Family, friends, colleagues and neighbors are invited to attend virtually by joining online at: meet.google.com/tcx-vons-wbm
Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
John lived out; Romans 12:9: “Be sincere in your love for others. Hate everything that is evil and hold tight to everything that is good.”
I didn’t know John very long, but my experiences with him we’re always positive. I LOVE his dog, Diesel, and bantered back and forth with John that I was going to steal Diesel. John just smiled and held a little tighter to his little pup! It was a humble honor to know John and see him fall in love and marry Heather. He knew love, he gave love and it’s wonderful to know how much he was loved.
John was a very helpful, knowledgeable and kind co-worker who will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to Heather and John’s family.
John was such a hard working and loving man. He always helped everyone he encountered in our ADOT Family. He was a smart man with endless knowledge. He always had a smile on his face. He wore his baseball cap everywhere he went. You are greatly missed. Thank you for all you did. Rest in paradise John
I love John. He was my friend and colleague. He served the state so well in so many ways but even more he did the great commission. Loving God and loving others. Blessings to you Heather and your entire family. Much love John Kaites
I worked with John for many years at the Legislature. I was just starting my career and John became a good friend and made me feel welcome. We even had an opportunity to to play basketball together from time to time. I will certainly miss him. I shall pray for his family that they will be comforted in the Lord:
2 Corinthians 1:4 (NIV)
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
The world is a lesser place without John. When I was going through chemotherapy I used him as inspiration to keep going. Regardless of his own challenges, he always had an extraordinary positive attitude on life. He taught me that the love of family and God can overcome most challenges in front of you. For many decades I admired his dedication to everything he did, especially to family. John my friend, thank you for all of your help and we will meet again. Lanny Hair
My sincere condolences Heather, and to the rest of the Carlson family, but also to the citizens of Arizona. We all just lost a passionate, knowledgeable, committed public servant. John, I will miss seeing your distant gait and silhouette coming down the halls of ADOT, your Britannica-like knowledge of statute that you shared in meetings and in endless white papers, and your smiling face, topped by the ever-present ball cap. Thank you John.
I met and worked with John at ADOT — he was a treasure for the agency and the state. He had helped me numerous times in resolving challenges, or answering questions with his incredible knowledge. John was a sincere, respectful, friendly, and wiling to help person that strove to make things right and for the better. I had the utmost respect for John and miss him greatly. He did leave it better than he found it. Blessings to his entire family.
John was a wonderful man. Kind, thoughtful, intelligent – with good intentions that carried through his work. He was a coach and mentor, and he brought tremendous value to ADOT. He was a Friend and I miss him. My condolences to his Family.
The Ruiz family in Tucson had the distinct pleasure of John’s presence in many of our get togethers. We realized early in our first introductions, that John was a caring person that held a high respect for all people.
I personally admired his demeanor and considered John to be, in the truest meaning, a gentleman.
On behalf of the Ruiz family, we respectfully offer our condolences.
I had the privilege of knowing John as workers at ADOT. Yes – he knew every intricacy of every piece of legislation facing the agency. On the occasion where he did not know it or recall it exactly, he researched and got back to me. His follow through was consistent in everything he did. Beyond his professionalism, John was a true gentleman, honest, open and just a downright great person. I remember chatting with him in the parking lot one evening and he mentioned his girlfriend – Heather. I said “John! How did you snag that beautiful lady?” His expression, laughter and gratitude for Heather’s love immediately followed in response!
To Heather and other family members – thank you for sharing John with us.
John had a rare skill of balancing the law and common sense with a special talent to communicate that balancing act to legislative personnel on matters impacting the state. He was a tireless advocate for state interests and put his co-worker’s interests above his own. Every time he came into my office to get legal advice you could see the sincere concern on his face that reflected his desire to address the important issues of the day with common sense and compassion while protecting state interests. I will miss him and the state is worse off by not having him as an important shepherd to monitor his legislative flock.
My sincere sympathies to you, Heather, and your family. My fondest memory of John was on the golf course. We were in a tournament and he kept checking his emails because the legislature was in session and didn’t want to miss anything. I told him ADOT would be ok for a few hours on Saturday… I threatened to throw his cell phone in the lake… and it didn’t matter… he laughed at me and kept checking his emails! That is dedication.
He was a great mentor and friend.
I will miss you, John.
To John’s siblings who have lost so many family members in the past 5 years, I’m sharing in your sorrow too. Please know that John was delighted to be your brother: he told me on our first date how many brothers and sisters he had (I lost count after about 10…). and then I got the chance to meet all of you and you welcomed me to the family. Thank you. And, Dear Kaitlyn, you were John’s pride and joy. The happiest I have ever seen him was the night you gave him a beautiful grandson. Please know that each of these words of condolence shared on this page from so many, are reflections of how John lived, and that same spirit lives in you. Be comforted knowing you will always be loved, and never alone.
Juanito was my favorite brother (no disrespect to David and Zale) because he was one of those rare people who could just be…be with you in a moment…be strong for you…care for you… I always knew he was there for me. This convoluted, beautiful family is made better for all of us because of all of us. The pain we feel now serves to remind us of the love that we share. We will see you at Taco Bell, save a picnic spot for us.
I worked on the phones in the Tucson call center. Whenever John came the call center he visited with each of us. He made the trip to Tucson for my retirement party in 2016. He could have just sent an email of congratulations, but not John. He took the time be there. John made the smallest cog feel like a vital part of the machinery. I can still his smile that lite up his face.
What an amazing brother in law. His laugh and loving nature made family get togethers extra special. The kids loved telling jokes with him and playing jokes on him. I loved how he just fit right in with my other brothers and my husband. I love how happy he made my dear sister. They just cherish each other. It made me so happy to see me sister so over-the-moon-happy with him. Just a really special guy. He had so much love for his family.
Our family had fun joking with him about being a workaholic. When he first entered our family we loved getting his ears to turn red at any opportunity until he got so used to us it became more of a challenge to get him embarrassed. We couldn’t have had a more fun, loving, special guy guy for our family.
My condolences to my Sissy, and to Katie, Roman, and Harrison, and to David Carlson, Marcie and Brent, and all John’s step family. You are all in my prayers. I know great man like John is hard to lose. My love to you all.
I had the privilege of working with John in different capacities over the years. He was knowledgable, professional and genuine. His traits of steadfast honesty and patience made him one-of-kind. My deepest condolences to his family.
John was one of the really good guys. I always enjoyed working with him at ADOT and wanted to express my sincere condolences to Heather and John’s family. Blessedly, he is now free from pain.
I cannot say enough good things about John. I was a supervisor at the MVD call center in Tucson. Whenever he came by he always looked after us, went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of, and made us feel we were part of a family. He was always full of positive energy, and added his own personal touch when he visited us. I considered John a mentor, and I looked up to him because he was the true definition of what a public servant should be. He will be missed dearly, but I know that the Lord will have a special place for people like him.
I worked closely with John when I was with the another State agency. John was a gentle soul, an intent listener, and always was focused on doing the right things right. It was a pleasure to work with him and get to know him. This is a big loss to the State as well as those who were close to him. Please accept my deepest sympathy. May his love and deeds of kindness bring you comfort and pleasant memories of your time with him.
I met John while we were both members on Gov Hull’s staff. Our friendship continued while I was on the Transportation Board and followed by my private lobbying on transportation related issues. I always enjoyed our conversations and his company. His advice was always spot on. He genuinely cared about the public he worked for and solving problems. His smile and laughter was infectious.
I am saddened by this loss, your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
The Trevizo family shares our deepest condolences to the Carlson family. There are no words to adequately express the loss of a loved one, especially in such trying times, but you have our sincerest heartfelt sympathies.
John was a down to earth man, easy to laugh and fun to talk to. He was the walking /talking version of an ADOT encyclopedia, he knew it all about the history of bill, rule, process, law, etc.
I enjoyed his sense of humor, outlook on life, and hearing the ADOT stories.
He always had an ADOT cap on, indoors and out!
We will miss you John, thanks for all you did for ADOT.
My condolences to the family. Michelle
John was such an amazing man. He was always so kind to everyone he met. When I got R.I.F. (Reduction In Force) in 2009 from State Service, Larry Ellis and John had to break the bad news to me and I will never forget the tears in John eyes when he told me, he was so compassionate. So much so that he put me in contact with his sister who owned a Third Party Company to help me find work. I will never forget this as long as I live nor the kind man who I looked up to after that day. He never failed to greet me with a smile every time he saw me and always asked how things were going. Rest In Paradise John, my prayers and deepest condolences to the entire family. I am saddened by this loss. He will truly be missed.
I had the pleasure of working with John when I served on ADOT’s Public Affairs Team and had the Nogales region as part of my service area. He knew the region so well, especially freight movement. John was so passionate about transportation and so knowledgeable. He was “Hi Google” to many of us who needed to know the past of any legislation and the stakeholders involved. John has a lasting legacy at ADOT that we all respect and cherish. My condolences to Heather and his family members.
Dear Heather and Carlson family,
Sorry to hear about the sad news. I along with so many colleagues of John have very fond and pleasant memories. He was a gem of a person, very kind, smart, intelligent, great memory, and good sense of humor.
We in our team, never had to go back and research on any legislative issues if we were in a meeting where we saw John is one of the attendees. He will remember precisely why, when and who got the previous changes and who all were in the meeting and even in which room of the ADOT building the discussions were held.
What a great person to work with and learn from, surely, he will be missed by many.
Though my words can do little, I hope my thoughts and prayers will support you at this time.
John was the truest of public servants. Honest, knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, kind, humble…the type of person we should all wish to be. He was respected by everyone that had the good fortune to work with him. Since we were interns together, I have never heard a negative word spoken about John. He was a good man and will be deeply missed. My Sincerest Condolences to Heather and John’s Family and Friends.
John was a good guy who was always respectful of people, always cared for his work and the public, always had a funny story, and always talked with you…not at you. My condolences to Heather, his family & all that loved him. He will be missed.
I first met John while doing my externship at his dad’s practice in the 80’s. He would come bouncing in the office on his lunch, always friendly, full of energy, with a big smile. While working with ADOT I became to know John as a wealth of information, always a friendly positive person that I truly admired. He will be greatly missed and he made the world and everyone he touched a greater place. Heather my sincerest condolences and prayers are with you and his family.
John was truly and inspiration to all that he came in contact with. I first met John while doing a special project and found that I really enjoyed working with him. He had this way about making you want to do more and be the best you could be. Even in civil service John has this way of making you think outside of government and look at thing in a different way. He used to say this unit should be run like a business and everyone should enjoy what they are doing. The one thing that I think everyone knows is that John had a memory like no other. I do not believe there was ever a time that he could not tell you the facts and how those facts came about. John leave a huge hole that no one will be able to fill. He was truly loved and will be missed.
John truly was sincere in his love for others. I know few who have lived that scripture as wholly as John did. It shone through even in his mort professional interactions. It was a genuine pleasure to know him, to be in his presence, and to feel his energy which, as everyone knows, was just about endless. I miss him, as I know all who love him do. To Heather, and to all his family, my deepest condolences.
I met John in 2003 around the time I was asking myself if I was going to stay with ADOT. Sometimes if you are fortunate enough the universe responds to you with someone like John Carlson. He was the type of person to never forget a birthday, was always so amiable, and without fail would walk over and give a hug when we crossed paths in Phoenix no matter who he was talking to, “One sec I have to say hi to my beautiful friend.” He was the type of person that made you realize we are not meant to play small but we are all meant to shine and not only could we do this, but that we have the ability to inspire others to do so. He was a kind soul, wonderful mentor, and a dear friend. 21 years later and I’m still with ADOT, and still inspired by what he taught me. To Heather, and all of his family, I grieve with you, and offer my deepest most heartfelt condolences.
I’ll remember John in so many ways – that big smile, great sense of humor… always with a good story. It was a joy to know him. May the memory of the special man he was be celebrated by us all.
I’ll remember John for so many things. it’s hard to pick out just a few. Big smile, wonderful sense of humor, boundless energy, and a generous spirit come quickly to mind. John was a joy to work with and I feel so blessed that our path’s crossed at ADOT. My love and condolences go out to Heather, John’s family, and all the countless friends that John made over the years. He will be missed.
I’ll remember John for so many things. It’s hard to pick out just a few. Big smile, wonderful sense of humor, boundless energy, and a generous spirit come quickly to mind. John was a joy to work with and I feel so blessed that our paths crossed at ADOT. My love and condolences go out to Heather, John’s family, and all the countless friends that John made over the years. He will be missed.
I knew John through my treasured friend Heather and loved seeing how he made her happy. My deepest condolences for all who loved and cherished him. New Years Eve won’t ever be the same. Love you always Heather.
Heather and all the family my heart hurts I grieve with you, my deepest condolences. Sending lots of love and prayers.
John was an amazing man. He really took care of the people he cared about. He was so special and he will be missed greatly. Sending his family much love and my sincere condolences.
John was the consummate public servant. Always knowledgeable, honest and eager to help with a big smile on his face. So thankful to have the opportunity to work with him. He will be sorely missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. An example to us all. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
John,
We miss you every day. I’m happy to have known you. God rest your soul and God grant peace to Heather and your family.
I am so grateful for all the people who showed their love to my brother John. John was a strong, courageous and humble man. He loved his work, the beach and landscaping. Nothing compares to the abundant love he had for his family. He was ecstatic to marry Heather, the love of his life. Being Kaitlyn’s father and *Hoppa* to his grandson Harrison was such a source of pride and joy for him.
Heather and her family took amazing care of him and they had many wonderful times together. I am extremely grateful for their presence in his life.
John was not afraid of death. He embraced it, telling me multiple times that he was at peace knowing that he will be with God. We love and miss you so very much, Johnny.
I am so grateful for all the people who showed their love to my brother John. John was a strong, courageous and humble man. He loved his work, the beach and landscaping. Nothing compares to the abundant love he had of family. He was ecstatic to marry Heather, the love of his life! Being Kaitlyn’s father and “hoppa” to his grandson Harrison was such a source of pride and joy for him! Heather and her family took amazing care of him and they had many wonderful times together! I am extremely grateful for their presence in his life! John was not afraid of death. He embraced it telling me multiple times he was at peace knowing that he will be with God.
We love and miss you very much Johnny!
Hard to believe, but have to accept the law of life. I had several opportunities to work with John for over a dozen years. Fun, and full of facts and stories behind any project, he became my go-to person.
Miss you a lot, John. God bless your family, and rest in piece! KK
I met John in 2004 while working at the MVD and on specials projects. The biggest moment when I knew John had a heart of gold was when I returned from bereavement after losing a close family member and John was there to inform me about the RIF (reduction in force) and he had to tell me that I was being let go. He was sincere and was in tears while trying to talk to me. He was a great and funny man. However there were moments when he was very serious. He will forever be remembered in my heart. I am so sorry for your loss.