Erin Rachel Carlson
January 9, 1995 - July 24, 2017

Our sweet Erin Rachel Carlson, lifetime resident of Park City, passed on Monday, July 24, 2017 at the age of 22 after a brief illness. Erin was an exceptionally sweet, loving person, who showed compassion and care for all around her. Her gentle words and actions toward others will long be cherished, as she set an example to all on the way to treat those who shared the earth with us. Her kindness touched many, as well as her deep thoughts which sparked many interesting conversations. She enjoyed music to the fullest degree and was often searching for new artists and genres, but she also played and composed on the piano and guitar, and played the violin, most recently wanting to learn Irish fiddling techniques. Her creativity was also seen through her paintings and drawings. She had a deep love for writing, and her poetry and prose indicated a true gift, leaving us with many wonderful memories. Erin found comfort and peace in the outdoors. She loved seeing natural wonders and had a special bond with Yellowstone National Park, where she hoped to work one day as a geochemist. She truly enjoyed any chance to be outdoors to see, feel and embrace the beauty and majesty of nature, where she spent much time in personal reflection in quiet solitude, providing her with the inspirations for her prose and poetry. She enjoyed yoga and meditation, where she found happiness and wholeness. Although not a declared Buddhist, she was deeply interested in the teachings of the Dalai Lama regarding having love and compassion for all, which is how she lived her daily life. Erin graduated Magna Cum Laude from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon in May 2017 with a degree in Chemistry (with honors) and a minor in Environmental Studies. She was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society in her junior year. She read extensively on a myriad of topics, finding enjoyment in learning and growing, and cherished the many books in her personal library. Erin is survived by her parents, Scot and Chris Carlson, and her sister, Lauren. A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor in Park City, Utah on August 31, 2017. In lieu of flowers, Erin would request that you donate to either the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (www.greateryellowstone.org) or to the Navajo Adopt-a-Native Elder program (www.anelder.org).

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