Eric "Ric" Richard Carlson, 59, of Idaho Falls, passed away at his home on Saturday, September 29, 2012. He was under the care of his family and Aspen Home Health & Hospice. He was born October 1, 1952, in Houston, Texas, to Elmer Gustof Carlson and Alice Elaine Anderson Carlson. He grew up and attended schools in Pasadena, a suburb of Houston. In 1971, he graduated from Pasadena High School. In 1972, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. While he was in the Army, he played the trumpet in the Fort Polk Army Band. He graduated from Texas A & M in 1977 with a nuclear engineering degree. In 1985, he earned his Master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho. He worked at the INL from 1977 until April 2012 when he retired. On Sept 29, 1979, he married Nila Piquet in Driggs, Idaho, and to this union 2 children, Shaun and Krista, were born. They were later divorced. On May 22, 1992, he married Linden Ririe Smith in Idaho Falls. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had served as the Ward Clerk, Elders Quorum President, and as a second counselor in the Bishopric. Eric enjoyed playing bridge, swimming, running and biking. He is survived by the following: Wife, Linden "Lin" Carlson of Idaho Falls;Son, Shaun Carlson of Orem, Utah; Daughter, Krista (Scott) Collins of Idaho Falls;Step-children: Robert Young of West Valley, Utah; Richard (Debbi) Young of Lakewood, Washington; Kristin (Cliff) Shaw of Tooele, Utah; Kevin (Tracie) Young of San Antonio, Texas; Brian (Mercedes) Young of Layton, Utah; Brent (Kathleen) Young of Cromwell, Connecticut; Cody Young of Pasco, Washington; Mother, Alice Carlson of Grapevine, Texas;Sisters: Sandy Cavanaugh of Grapevine, Texas, and Gaelyn (Lannie) Lesher of Houston, Texas; Brother, Ron (Bettie) Carlson of Murrysville, Pennsylvania;17 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Eric was preceded in death by his father, Elmer Carlson. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 3, 2012, at the Idaho Falls LDS 9th Ward Chapel, 395 Second St (corner of 2nd & Higbee) with Bishop Jones officiating. The family will visit with friends Tuesday evening from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls and Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in the Milo Cemetery with military rites. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.