Obituary of Marcia K. Carlson

Dr. Marcia K. Carlson, 86, of Virgil passed away June 12, 2012 in Cortland Regional Medical center. Dr. Carlson was born October 8, 1925 in Tionesta, PA the daughter of the late Charles and Kristine Carlson. She had been employed by SUNY Cortland for over 26 yrs. Marcia received her Bachelors Degree from Slippery Rock State University where she received the Outstanding Alumna Award in 1984; she then earned a masters degree from the University of Pittsburg, and Ph. D from Syracuse University. Dr. Carlson was a nationally recognized expert and pioneer in the outdoor education field, Professor Emeritus of Recreation and Leisure Studies until her retirement in 1988. The National Council on Outdoor Education presented its highest honor, the Julian W. Smith Award, to Dr. Carlson in 1896 for her lasting contributions to outdoor education. Dr. Carlson received the Harlan Gold Metcalf Award in 1992 from the New York State Outdoor Education Association in recognition of her outstanding leadership, distinctive service, and professional commitment of outdoor education and the association. Dr. Carlson was a familiar and influential figure on campus. In the early 1970s, she designed the Outdoor Education Center laboratory in the newly constructed Park Center. A decade later, she headed the committee which developed an outdoor education minor at SUNY Cortland, in all, she served on more then 70 committees at the College. For 16 years, Dr. Carlson coordinated her Departments required two-week outdoor education practicum at the Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake, where she assisted in the development of the Winter Studies Program. She twice received SUNY Faculty Grants to develop a model program illustrating the use of the outdoor environment as an extension of the classroom. She believed strongly in motivating and teaching her students to become professional in a responsible sense. Over the years, she supervised summer recreation and camping programs for the Girl Scouts of America, the Boy Scouts of America, 4 €“H and the American Camping Association. Dr. Carlson is a past National Rifle Association board member and former chair of its Education and Training and Womens Policies Committees. Dr. Carlson is survived by her sister in law Patricia Carlson of New Stanton, PA, her niece Karla (Russell) Caputo of Chagren, Ohio, nephew KC Carlson of Raleigh, NC, great nephews Jacob and Luke Caputo, and Matthew Hirsh. In addition to her parents Dr. Carlson was predeceased by her brother Karl P. Carlson. Funeral services will be held 3:00 pm Monday at the Interfaith Chapel on the SUNY Campus. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Friends are invited to call Saturday from 2 €“ 4 pm at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home 9 Lincoln Ave, Cortland and Monday from 2-3 pm prior to the service at the Interfaith Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Dr. Carlsons name my be directed to Cortland College Foundation Inc., for the enrichment of the Dr. Marcia K. Carlson Classroom, Brockway Hall, SUNY Cortland PO Box 2000 Cortland, NY 13045. To offer on line condolences visit www.wright-beard.com. To Marcia's family -- we have known Marcia for a LOONG time -- she was friendly, witty, a good hostess, and full of fun...she will be missed... Mary Ware and Mary Stuck MANY YEARS AGO I WAS MARCIA'S NEIGHBOR. EVEN THOUGH I MOVED AWAY, WE ALWAYS MANAGED TO KEEP IN CONTACT. MY MEMORIES OF MARCIA WAS HER DEEP DEDICATION TO HER BELIEFS AND HER COMMUNITY AS WELL AS HER SENSE OF HUMOR AND HER LOVE OF ANIMALS. I ESPECIALLY REMEMBER HER LOVE FOR HER CATS - "GIN" AND "TONIC" - PERFECT NAMES. MY PRAYERS GO TO MARCIA'S FAMILY. SHE WILL CERTAINLY BE MISSED.BETTY KRYGER It is with great sorrow that I read the news of Marcia Carlson's passing. Even though I have not returned to Cortland to her influence in my life was profound. She was part of the team of top notch instructors that believed in recreation education and loved the outdoors. I'll always remember her, the times at Racquette Lake and the lessons learned from her. Jeanne Moyer ...marcia was one of my favorite teachers, god bles you at this time Geoff call 1971 The rev dr Geoffrey Schmitt She made me believe in myself...she was my mentor and friend, and the world will be a poorer place without her. Play on, Marcia! Tom Buchanan Marcia was by far the most influential professor I ever had. Her legacy in terms of my own career alone has been immense. Profound. The sight of my mentor and advisor (Marcia) walking hand in hand with Dr. Julian Smith (father of outdoor education) from that autumn hillside after Julian's address at the 1974 NYS Outdoor Ed Ass'n conference gave me an inkling of the magic to be found in the profession I hoped to, and eventually did, share with Marcia. One of a kind. Bruce E. Matthews I will miss our telephone chats. Marcia was a special friend and I am glad I knew her for over twenty years. We always had something to discuss and even tho we didn't always agree ( She was a republican) we sure had fun and respected each others opinion. I am sure she is convincing St Peter to give more attention to outdoor education. Peg Robb Deepest sympathies. Marcia was a woman ahead of her times; she called it like it was; a role model ... Mary Frances Struck My sympathy to Marcia's family. Marcia was a friend to my mother, Marie, and sat with her at church many many times. I always appreciated that. May peace be with her. Kathy After reading the notice of Dr. Carlson's passing I find my self reflecting on Marcia, how much she meant to me and how she affected my life for the better. We rarely find teachers of her kind anymore. She set the example on how to live life, how to treat people and was a model that one reaches to be like. The lessons she taught, sometimes not subtle, other times so subtle that a bit of time passed before they really set in, were the most meaningful. She forced me, with her kindness, to reflect on what I wanted out of life personally and professionally and that changed everything. Her passing brings tears to my eyes and SUNY Cortland should take great pride in having had such a great professor and teacher. Henry Atterbury was a sad moment when news of Marcia's passing reached me today. I will miss discussing our views of politics & "saving the world", but mostly I will be forever grateful to her for the years she worked with me at NYSRPA. Bill Doughty Marcia was such a wonderful person and she enriched my life more than anyone can imagine. From the first moment I met her in Brockway Hall she challenged me to be a better person and, eventually, a well trained professional in the field of outdoor education. I am saddened at her death but joyful in knowing she was a huge part of my life. I will be forever grateful that I had the good fortune to be her friend and to have her as my mentor. Snapper Petta to the family of Marsha Carlson, Virgil has lost a GREAT icon, one who when I was town supervisor I looked to for advise. Our daughter was honored to recieve from Marsha a number of outdoor education books as she also is and outdoor education teacher in the Rochester school system. Our sincere sympathy to you all and we will cherish the friendship we had with Marsha. Albert and Darlene Stevens and family darlene stevens Marcia was a friend and an outstanding educator.She will be missed. Her wit, love for animals and great conversation were always welcome when we spent time together. Lee Townsend Marcia Carlson was one of the first individuals who made me feel important as I was, simply for being. Beyond that she provided me with invaluable professional competencies. While I moved on to work in other areas besides Outdoor Education, I have never forgotten the lessons she provided. I have such wonderful memories of being in her classrooms as well as working with her as an instructor at Camp Huntington, Racquette Lake. It often is so difficult to accept when a loved one moves on to the next stage in their existence. Marcia lives on in memories of all who interacted with her -- what a tribute to her and her family. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. John Brooks