Doctor Bob

A gentle giant has quietly slipped from our industry, leaving a void that won’t be quickly filled.
Every apple grower owes a great debt of gratitude to this humble Swedish immigrant who spent
a lifetime dedicated to his favorite discipline of fruit culture.He was kind and patient enough to
be a loving husband and father, but he was tough as an old hickory stick when it came to his
convictions.His presence in the field commanded respect at domestic and international
horticultural gatherings from grower and researcher alike.His teaching and research were
methodical, defined and trusted by students and peers alike.he was the father of the
International Dwarf Fruit Tree Association, taking it from a small local Michigan grower group
to the 1200 member strong international organization.To young researchers like us, Bob Carlson
served as our inspiration and mentor—demonstrating constantly that personal fame and glory
were secondary to honest research and perseverance.His theme that the “grower” and industry
come first, that they are our livelihood and future, was ever present in his Spartan leadership of
IDFTA and his personal life.Yet, with this tremendous dedication to his discipline, he was a
great guy, quick witted and just fun to be with, supported by his wonderful wife, Shirley, and
four lovely daughters, Becky, Ellen, Cynthia and Elise.He gave his all to this organization
whose success we enjoy today.Our industry was lucky to have had the opportunity to share in
the talents of Dr. Robert Carlson.In the true sense of the world, Dr. Bob was our hero and,
damn, we’ll miss him.
Dr. Steve Blizzard and Dr. Tara Auxt Baugher