Nicholas Joe Carlson, age 48 Died Saturday March 28,2026

Nick was born in Yakima to Hugh David Carlson and Darla Carnevali on February 1, 1978. Nick was out on the farm from an early age; he loved learning about the land and especially the equipment. During high school that love of ag was shown through his involvement with the FFA program. He did well at the tractor rodeo, and other events, earning many awards. After graduating, he continued working in the orchards and warehouse for his father. He eventually moved on from the family business and pursued a career in trucking. This culminated with owning his own truck and working for himself.

Nick met his wife Pauline “PJ” in high school, they reconnected years later and were married in 2024. He would joke that she came back and hunted him down, so she knew what she was getting herself into. She would always answer with a smile, “Yes, I did”. Nick and PJ shared a love for farming, and for their dogs. If he had his way, he would have had many more dogs, especially large ones. At one point when one of their dogs had puppies there were a total of 11 dogs in a very small house, 4 adults and 7 puppies. Nick loved caring for the puppies and would have kept them all if PJ had let him (that’s his story anyway). His heart had so much love in it, not only for dogs but his friends and family. Nick loved to spend time with his friends riding his Harley, having breakfast with them on Sunday. You would find him hanging out at the lotus room watching football or just catching up wherever he ran into someone. He enjoyed having dinner with the family, riding his motorcycle, working in his shop, camping and reading as many World War II books as possible.

Nick is survived by his wife PJ (Pitts) of Wapato, his mother Darla Carnevali of Yakima, his brother Jered Carlson of Buena, nephews Michael Carlson, Kenzie (Kaitlin) Carlson. He was preceded in death by his Father Hugh David Carlson, Stepfather Forrest Latham, Grandparents Joe and Elizabeth Carnevali (Paganelli), Hugh Alvord and Edna Carlson (Wines). 

A celebration of life will be held at the Selah Civic Center on May 31 st , 2026, at 2:00 PM. We invite anyone who comes to please dress comfortably in any color you choose. We are celebrating the joy that Nick brought into our lives.

In Lieu of flowers please support the FFA, 4H or one of our local pet rescues.