WARREN — Gustav H. Carlson Jr., known to family as “Sonny” and to friends as “Gus.”, died unexpectedly on Feb. 13, 2016, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Rockland on Nov. 26, 1941, he was one of 13 children born to Gustav Sr. and Ethel Morse Carlson. Educated locally he was a 1960 graduate of Rockland High School. While in high school, Gus was a member of the Sea Scouts.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years. Following his discharge from the Navy, Gus enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving from 1976 to 1978. He later retired from the Coast Guard Reserves, having served from 1978 to 1993. His time in the military afforded Gus the opportunity to travel and visit many places.

Upon his honorable discharge, Gus returned to Rockland, where he worked at the Camden Tannery for several years before beginning his own landscaping business. Gus operated Coastal Landscaping until this past summer, building many beautiful rock walls, and cultivating gorgeous gardens for many local homes.

Gus married Judith Harriman, and they were married for nine years. Jill, Gus' daughter, said of her dad, “he was a good husband and a good father.”

Gus was an avid reader, having read hundreds of books in his lifetime. He also enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing. He loved to buy scratch tickets and lottery tickets, always hoping for the big win. Gus was an animal lover, always keeping a box of treats with him for dogs he met along the way. For many years he donated freshly butchered meat to many local families and would donate the bones to the animal shelter for the dogs. Gus also had a special place in his heart for his cat.

He was a kind and generous soul, always looking out for others, even to his own detriment. He quietly took care of large bills for friends and neighbors, vehicle needs, even looking after children in need, without ever asking for anything in return or even for recognition.

Throughout Gus' yearlong battle with cancer, he never complained, completed his treatments without so much as batting an eyelash, always said he felt fine, and kept a positive attitude until the end.

He will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

Predeceased by two sisters, Arline Springer and Florence VanHoek; and two brothers, Richard Carlson and Alfred Carlson; Gus is survived by his daughter, Jill Sullivan and her husband, Robert, of Thomaston; his brothers, Robert Carlson, Roger Carlson and his wife, Sheila, and Donald Carlson and his wife, Catherine, all of Rockland; his sisters, Sonja Staples of Lincolnville, Hilma Meklin of Thomaston, Norma Davee and her husband, Bob, of Camden, Judith Carlson of Thomaston, and Karen Gerard and her husband, Jim, of Rockland; his aunt, Nettie Salo and her husband, Arvo, of Rockland; his former wife and the mother of his daughter, Judith Chapman of Warren; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many close friends.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 1 to 2 p.m., with a memorial service to be held at 2 p.m. at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. The Rev. Dr. David English will officiate. A reception will follow at 104 Limerock, adjacent to the funeral home. Interment at Achorn cemetery will be announced in the spring.

Although flowers are gratefully accepted, those who wish may make memorial donations to either Eastern Maine Medical Cancer Care, Lafayette Building, 33 Whiting Hill Road, Brewer, ME 04412, or Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Bo 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.