October 9, 2011 — Carlson Laboratories announced Oct. 1, 2011 that co-founder and former President, John Carlson, passed away. John started Carlson Laboratories with his wife Susan in 1965 and played an active role in the business through the company’s 45th anniversary in 2010.
During a lifetime of dedication to the dietary supplement industry, John was an active member of many industry organizations, including the Natural Products Association, The National Institute of Nutritional Education, and The Mid American Health Organization, and was recognized for his service on many occasions.
In 2009, John received the prestigious Nutrition Business Journal Summit Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing him as a pioneer that helped build the natural products industry.
“A giant in the natural products industry, John Carlson will be missed but truly never forgotten,” said Pat Sardell, owner of Country Vitamins in Corvallis, OR. Truly beloved by the natural products industry, John was considered an icon and respected by colleagues for his high ethical standards.
“He always wanted to — and always did — the right thing,” said Jack Challem, the Nutrition Reporter and former Carlson employee. “In the natural products industry, everyone respected his ethics and sense of fairness, even his competitors (who usually said the nicest things about him). John set a standard and lived by that standard.”
In addition to his vast contributions to the natural industry, we will all remember John for his warmth, kindness, generosity, and integrity. He will be greatly missed by not only his family, including wife Susan and daughters Carilyn and Kirsten, but also the loyal employees of Carlson Laboratories, as well as his large circle of friends and the many members of the natural products industry that came to know him so well.
The service was held for John Carlson Tuesday, Oct. 4 in Arlington Heights, Ill. A memorial in his honor will be held at a later date. For those interested, donations may be made in John’s honor to the Natural Products Foundation, 1773 T St. NW, Washington, DC 20009, www.naturalproductsfoundation.org.
Source: Carlson Laboratories, www.carlsonlabs.com
