ROCKLAND — In the midst of a whirling hubbub, Karl Carlson was passed over to harps and angels by his hovering flock of children, 23 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren Sept. 25, 2012, at the Knox Center for Long Term Care.

He stepped into the world May 12, 1932, the son of Millard and Leola Carlson.

In 1951, Karl graduated from Bemus Point High School in Bemus Point, N.Y., where he excelled in all sports — football being his favorite.

That fall, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. A veteran of the Korean conflict, while stationed in Anchorage, Alaska, he volunteered when he was off duty to assist a husky dog breeder who raised and trained dogs for sled use.

After being discharged from military service, he moved with his wife, and son Michael, to Bemus Point on Lake Chautauqua.

After settling in Bemus Point, five more children happened along, including Dayle Moore, Dawne Carlson-George, Mitchel Keith, Millard Ted and Erin C. Soucy.

Also while living in Bemus Point, he graduated from Jamestown Business College and worked nine years with the Jamestown Post Journal.

He later moved to Maine and settled his family in Camden. He worked for the Maine Antique Digest and The Katahdin Press, and went on to publish his own newspaper, The Town Crier. He simultaneously operated The Town Coffee Shop in Camden and The Village Coffee Shop in Warren.

He loved and enjoyed family gatherings and especially liked to put on the traditional smorgasbord, as he was loyal to his Swedish background. While living in both Bemus Point and Camden, he volunteered as a coach with Little League Baseball programs.

He was a member of American Legion War Memorial Post No. 30 in Camden and The Lions Club in Jamestown, N.Y., and he enjoyed golf at Goose River Golf Course in Camden.

His family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents at Knox Center for Long Term Care, for always appreciating Karl's wit, humor and ability to relate to staff and residents in a caring way.

Those who wish may make contributions in Karl's memory to Make-A-Wish Foundation, 477 Congress St., Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101

To share a memory or story with Karl's family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.