William (Bill) Gene Carson

 

February 9, 1953 – June 11, 2025

 

Bill Carson passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025 at the age of 72, with his wife of 48 years, Theresa Carson, and two sons, Evan Carson and Sean Carson, by his side. Bill was born in Riverside, CA on February 9th, 1953 to William Carson and Barbara Marsden. He was the eldest brother of Mark Carson and Ron Carson.

 

Bill received his Bachelor’s Degree in History from University of California, Riverside (UCR). He was a great designer and artist and started making posters for the Entomology Lab at UCR, where he later wore many hats managing the lab and finishing his vibrant 35+ year career at UCR.

 

He was a true Riversidian at heart, growing up alongside historic Riverside Raceway where his love for watching Formula 1 racing, inspired him to race cars for a few years as a hobby. He loved attending the WWI and WWII air shows at March Air Force Base where he could recount all the planes names and what battles they were flown in. Bill’s attention to detail, amazing memory, and accounts of history made him a true story teller, captivating everyone around him. He was a true encyclopedia and was always the first person people came to with questions. He was also a very sentimental person, often keeping extensive memorabilia collections throughout his whole life, from pieces of Riverside Raceway pavement to model cars to his son’s first grade art projects. His sharp wit and charismatic character made him loved by all, and his sensitive heart and compassionate understanding for all people, made him truly respected by everyone.

 

Bill and Theresa were true adventurers, traveling around Europe by bicycle, attending Formula 1 car races in multiple countries, running marathons and local races, camping with Bill’s uncle, aunt, and cousins, and riding their motorcycles on multi day camping trips. Once their two sons were born, they enjoyed camping and backpacking all over the Western United States. Bill was especially fond of the Eastern Sierra, teaching his sons the values gained from respecting nature and all living creatures.

 

In 2015, Bill and Theresa retired and moved to Bishop, where he was later diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Despite this setback, Bill remained engaged in the community, becoming a beloved volunteer at Manzanar National Historic Site, and continued to explore all over the Intermountain West Region with his wife Theresa and two brothers in-law, Mark Wolter and David Wolter.

 

In 2020, Bill became a grandfather and adored his granddaughter Isabel, always bringing her gifts and books from places he visited, and she loved him deeply. His sons Evan and Sean got to witness the joy and spark they once appreciated as kids.

 

He is survived by his wife Theresa, sons Evan and Sean, granddaughter Isabel, brother Ron, sister in-law Linda, nephew Jeff, and many cousins.

 

In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider donating to a local environmental organization such as The Mono Lake Committee or Friends of the Inyo.