Carol was one of the good souls of the Oregon birding community. I remember
first meeting her for the first time some years ago as we both prowled Baskett
Slough. She always had a smile for fellow birders.
I am about to head to Malheur for a few days with Tristen Hynes. He has good
memories of his life Pygmy-Owl with Carol and Paul a few years back.
Fly on.
Alan Contreras
Eugene, Oregon
acontrer56@xxxxxxxxx
Sent from my iPhone
On Jun 1, 2015, at 2:58 PM, Paul Sullivan <paultsullivan@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
It is with a heavy heart that I report to you that my beloved Carol Karlen
slipped away quietly last evening at 7 PM after a lengthy battle with
lymphoma. She was diagnosed in late March and spent the last two months in
hospitals and care facilities.
Carol came to birding on her own in the mid 1990’s, and then with Judi
Dippold in McMinnville. She went on to lead a ladies’ weekly field trip,
trips for Salem Audubon, and trips with me at birding festivals. She became
a strong part of Audubon Birding Weekends. She participated avidly in many
ECAS winter raptor routes in Yamhill, Polk, and Gilliam Counties. She became
one of the few who logged 100 species in every Oregon county, and was well on
her way to being only the second person to see 125 in every county. She
compiled binders full of her backyard sightings, day by day. She was the
keeper of the official Yamhill County list.
Carol got as much fun from showing another person a new bird as she did from
finding a new bird for herself. I’d like to quote – with permission – from a
note from Janet Lamberson of Toledo.
“Phil and I are on a six to seven-week travel to national parks …. We have
been thinking of you a lot, especially when we hear the meadowlark's morning
song or the sound of a goldeneye's wings -- camped in the desert or exploring
mountain meadows. We send you love, the vision of wildflowers, the call of a
canyon wren and a golden mountain sunset.
You two have shown me the way birding should be, with gentleness, awareness,
persistence and generous sharing. Mostly when I think of being with you, I
remember your smiles, the joy of birding, and the warmth you share. Thanks
so much for being who you are!
Your news brings sadness, but also thanks for knowing you.
Peace!
Janet and Phil Lamberson”
Carol was a great gift to me in these last 10 years. We shared many “this is
our cathedral” moments in the outdoors in addition to theater, puzzles, and
so much more.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 4, at 11 AM, with viewing at
10 AM, at Macy and Son Funeral Chapel, 135 NE Evans, McMinnville. In lieu of
flowers, please consider a contribution to the Audubon Society of Portland.
