Erik James Carlson, 43, of Cantonment, FL, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, September 3, 2023, in Miami, FL. He was a born fighter in every sense of the word. He courageously battled his own body with his family by his side awaiting organ transplantation and a miracle that came too late.

Erik was born to Richard E. Carlson and the late Sandra S. Carlson in Plantation, FL. In addition to his mother, Erik is preceded in death by his uncle, Ron Carlson. He achieved a bachelor's degree and owned a management company, but his greatest achievement (along with his wife, Dana, of almost 18 years) is his daughter, Olivia. Erik loved Sci-Fi. His favorite was Doctor Who, the embodiment of smarts, whimsy, regeneration and reunion in the afterlife: "The way I see it, every life is a pile of good things and…bad things. The good things don't always soften the bad things, but vice versa, the bad things don't necessarily spoil the good things or make them unimportant."

Erik saw the world differently than most. He was a charismatic people person, and devout Catholic whose endless possibilities will be mourned. He was loved dearly by his family and friends. He will be missed.

Erik is survived by his loving wife, Dana Carlson; his daughter, Olivia Carlson; his father, Rick Carlson; a brother, Dustin Carlson (Rebecca); a sister, Tiffany Aird; nephews and nieces, Conner Aird, Alexander Aird, Jace Aird, Luke Aird, Liliana Aird, Cyrus Carlson and Birdie Brooks.

Visitation will be held 5:00pm -7:00pm Friday, September 8, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00am Saturday, September 9, 2023, at St. Paul Catholic Church with Fr. Jack Campbell serving as Celebrant. Committal service will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rob "poppy" Kabinoff, Aunt Lisa Sills, Aunt Jan Hussle, Andrea Brown, Kristen Fisher, and Sarah Carlson for the extra support over the last few months.