Iver R. Carlsen
September 15, 1952 ~ October 21, 2021
Beloved Father and Surfing Legend of Higgins Beach Passes
Iver R. Carlsen of Higgins Beach Maine passed away on Thursday, October 21, 2021. He is survived by his two sisters Karen and Christina, his three children Olaf, Autumn, and Sebastian, their mother Deborah, their three grandchildren Henry, Alice, and Abi, along with many extended family members and numerous friends.
His life's journey began September, 1952 in Haverhill, Massachusetts, born to Margorie and Roger Carlsen. He lived life to its fullest, traveling and working around the country, living and logging in the deep Maine woods, spending time in special places with his loved ones, sailing, skiing, hiking, and surfing, and finally settling into retirement from school administration in the Higgins Beach community with his late wife Carolyn (Cal to those who knew her).
After his second wife's passing, surfing took on a more therapeutic role. It brought him peace and tranquility, away from the busy, chaotic world. Whenever he didn't answer his phone, he was in the waves. He joined the Surfrider Foundation and as a leader of the local chapter he fought passionately for public access to the coastline, surfers' rights and beach etiquette. He was a minimalist, environmentalist, forever working to create a better world for his children and grandchildren.
Toward the end he was most at peace surfing his Ben Gravy at the river mouth or walking the far end of Higgins Beach in the sanctuary of the piping plovers. He surfed his last wave in this world on September 17, two days after his 69th birthday. It was overhead. He rode it all the way to shore with his left hand held high as always and got out.
No amount of time with my dad would have ever been enough. He touched everyone who crossed his path in life and in the lineup with his humor, his compassion, with his light hearted spirit. If you want to visit him, go to the ocean, it was and will forever be his lifeblood.
Finally, it is with deepest gratitude that our family and friends thank the wonderful staff at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House for their care of Iver during his final days.
Visiting Hours celebrating Iver's life will be held at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland on Saturday, October 30 from 1-2PM followed by a Memorial Service at 2PM.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge.
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Cousin, I’m sorry we were never able to share some surfing or sailing together but, you and yours and your adventures were never far from our thoughts. You lived your Life to the fullest now , Rest In Peace. Rob Pittendreigh and Susan Clifford
– Rob Pittendreigh
Maple Street; 3 on the column truck driving on the farm; packing the hill/ski jumps; Belknap station wagon ski trips; Dolly Copp camping. TOU/RIP Iver
– Larry McAuliffe
I am so sad to hear of Iver’s passing. He was one of my favorite people. Rest in peace, Iver, and deepest condolences to his family.
– Sian Liem
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Iver’s loved ones. Iver was the first to welcome my family to to Maine. He was a neighbor and a friend. He shared so much with us, especially how to live a simple life. He was indeed a minimalist. We never forgot him. Every thought of him brings a smile. Perhaps he and Ray are now laughing about old times. May the coming daysbring you peace. Fondly, Linda Robert
– Linda Robert
Sebastian & Family – We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. – Miles, Jill, & everyone from Digital Sky.
– Tribute Store
So sorry to hear about the passing of Iver; I came to know him quite well when he served as Director of MVR 10. Iver was a “class act”, always understated but always with the best interest of a quality education for every student coming first. He was the same in private – caring & sensitive, but always one smile away from a good laugh. I’ll miss him as so many will! Bob Lyman Former Supt., Freeport Public Schools
– Bob Lyman
Iver was my favorite person to see in the line up. His kind attitude, ocean stewardship and surf style were beautiful and one of a kind. Sending so much love. I know he loved his kids deeply.
– Amy Alicia
Please accept the heartfelt condolences of all of us at Region 10 Technical High School (MVR10).
– Tribute Store
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home – South Portland Chapel
– A Memorial Tree was planted for Iver R. Carlsen
I had the wonderful opportunity to work with Iver on the I 95 Administrator’s Recertification Board when he was at Region 10 Vocational School. We always laughed and talked about our mutual interet in the ocean – his surfing and mine boating. Margaret Anderson
– Margaret Anderson
Iver will be remembered as a man of great integrity, a beacon of compassion and understanding-a life force for what was important and the king of surfers and and true lover of Higgins beach! Condolences to all family members, we will miss him. Art and Elizabeth
– Elizabeth Dyer
While for most of our lives we were not close, I always felt Iver and I were kindred spirits. We both shared similar passions in life namely Surfing, Sailing, Camping and Hiking. I’m sure he’s still sharing that dauntless enthusiasm with those lucky enough to be near.