Rand Booth Carlson

The world lost a shining light on September18, 2009. Rand Booth Carlson was born October 15, 1967 in Pasadena, California, but soon after moved with his family to Corona del Mar, where he spent his youth. He graduated from Corona del Mar High School and University of California at Irvine, also earning a teaching credential from CSULB. He had a passion and gift for teaching, which he did at South Gate Middle School, where he taught seventh grade English. Later in life he moved to Honolulu, where he taught middle school and was affectionately known by his students as “Mr. C.” He inspired the love of reading and learning in his students.

Randy had many around the world travels and adventures, often accompanied by family or good friends. He was drawn to trekking in the Himalaya Mountains, where he visited several times through the years. Although traveling was a great passion, Randy’s first love was the ocean. Surfing, paddling, and swimming were all a joy to him, and he could most often be found in or near the water. A highlight was when his outrigger canoe won their class at the Oahu Championships in August 2006. He loved the teamwork and companionship of being a part of the Outrigger Canoe Club family, and his day was always better if he could spend some time in the water.

Randy was an artist, both with words and drawings. He was an inspired musician, often penning his own heartfelt, and often hysterical, lyrics, while playing the guitar. He was an avid reader, a lover of music, and a loving son, brother, and friend. Randy’s presence always lit up those around him.

He is survived by his mother, Karen Booth Carlson, sister Bonnie Carlson Solmssen, brother-in-law Andrew Solmssen and nephews Ridley Booth Solmssen and John Beckett Solmssen. He is also survived by his aunt Bonnie Booth Holt, uncle Richard Holt, cousin Rich Booth Holt and his wife Kristen, cousin Wendy Holt Houlihan and her husband Mike and their children Sophia and Jack Houlihan.

Randy also leaves behind scores and scores of loving friends who will miss him too.

In lieu of flowers the family would like to honor Randy’s memory by supporting either the scholarship program of the Duke Kahanomoku Foundation c/o the Outrigger Canoe Club, 2909 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 or the Surfrider Foundation in memory of Randy Carlson at www.surfrider.org.

A Hawaiian sytle rememberance will be held at 10am Friday, October 2, 2009 on the beach at China Cove in Coron del Mar. Aloha attire and bare feet welcome. A “paddle out” will follow.