We mourn the untimely passing of Rich Carlsen. Richard G. Carlsen III passed away July 12, 2023, he was 57 years young. He was loved by so many people. Rich was part of the Eureka Springs community, as are many of his family and loved ones.
Rich was born in Tampa, Florida, on August 1, 1965, where he began his journey. He traveled in his young life, living in New York state, attending kindergarten in Galion, Ohio, and finishing high school at Parkview High in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Rich won a scholarship to Oklahoma University to study political science. He graduated with a degree from the University of Arkansas. He had many credits in many different fields and was awarded a Bachelor in Liberal Arts. Political science, finance, business, and photography were all in his realm of study. His photos of the Christo Umbrellas were chosen by the Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara for graduating seniors from more than 10,000 applicants.
He worked during his college years for Little Rock Distributing. His territory was Northwest Arkansas. For ten years, this job took him into the beautiful nature of NW Arkansas. Rich was their top salesman for his last five years. At this point an opportunity presented itself and he was able to fulfill a dream. In 2000 he bought Silver Ridge Resort in Eureka Springs. Rich took a huge step and retired from corporate life. He continued his passionate adventure and in 2005 purchased Sugar Ridge Resort.
Rich also supported the Nature Conservancy and was active in helping them to complete significant projects and accommodations. He served as president on the board at Eureka Fitness. Rich was a member and supporter of Trout Unlimited of Arkansas, as well as a member of the Eureka Springs Chambers of Commerce.
He loved the rivers, boating, fishing, and kayaking. Being outdoors was where he was the happiest. At 13 he attended Philmont Boy Scout Camp in the rugged mountains of New Mexico, it was a defining time for him and his love for the outdoors.
Curiosity followed Rich throughout his life. With a wonderful spirit and smile, he made you laugh, told great stories and loved people and his life. Always thinking, planning, and never bored; he was quick to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it.
Rich is survived by his two daughters, Ashley Nicole Carlsen born in 2000 and Lindsay Belle Carlsen born in 2004, of NW Arkansas. He was a devoted father and also a devoted son to his surviving mother Beverly Schenck Carlsen and father, Richard G. Carlsen, Jr., of Camarillo, California.
He is also survived by his spouse Lisa Lynn Mullins of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; stepdaughter Hayden K. Knighten and husband, Clay, of Conway, Arkansas; stepson Robert Benjamin Mullins, Jr. of Eureka Springs, Arkansas; sister Elizabeth Dawn Shelton and husband, Gary, of Little Rock, Arkansas; aunt Judy Carlsen Smith and husband, Tom of Littleton, Colorado; aunt June “Junebug” Simmons Ackerstein and husband, Hal, of Sarasota, Florida; grandchildren Kate K. Easton, Hudson aka “Lil Richie” and Kinley Knighten of Conway, Arkansas; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. His love and care will be felt by all of us for the rest of our lives.
He is preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Stella Mathews Carlsen and grandfather, Richard G. Carlsen, Sr., and step grandmother Agnes Mulkey Carlsen; and his maternal grandfather Eugene Lewis Schenck and grandmother, MaryAnn Mason Schenck.
Whether walking on the sandy white beaches of Florida or fishing on rivers in Arkansas, Rich was most at home on the mountain and at home with family. There is an empty place on the Mountain, and it leaves us in sorrow. But love and memories fill every void and save us. Time can never erase the soul we knew and the smile we remember on his beautiful face. He left us too soon.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to ECHO Village, 4004 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, or American Heart or Stroke Association PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284 www.heart.org.
Cremation arrangements under the direction of Nelson Funeral Service. Online condolences may be sent to nelsonfuneral.com. © Nelson Funeral Service, Inc. 2023.