Shared mission, compassionate care inspire Evergreen’s support of Community
In the late ‘60s Willard J. Carlson moved from Spokane to Vancouver with his wife and children to work at Evergreen Memorial Gardens Cemetery Funeral Chapel and Crematory. In a few years, he was the owner and, 50 years later, the business is still in the family. It is now owned and managed by Willard’s children and grandchildren and is the only cemetery-chapel combo in Clark County. Over the years Evergreen has developed new gardens in its cemetery and its services have evolved to respond to the diversity of its ever-growing community while honoring burial traditions.
Willard’s son, Brad Carlson, is president and CEO, joining the family business in 1987. His wife, Mary is administrative assistant while their daughters Lindsay Fisher and Megan Carlson Field serve as vice president of administration and vice president of crematory operations, respectively.
“There are many benefits, as well as challenges, to working with family members,” Lindsay said. “The most obvious benefit is that we get to spend more time together! Personally, I love being able to carry on the family legacy of caring for the community at their most difficult times. My grandfather built the business on a foundation of serving the community. This same example is carried on by my mother and father for my sister and me to follow.”
One of the ways the family has chosen to give back to the community they serve is by supporting Community Home Health & Hospice. Their generous donations over the past decade played a key role in expanding our care in Clark County.
Initially, the family was inspired to give to Community because their values aligned with our mission.
“We believe in and appreciate all that Community does for patients and their families as they near end of life,” Lindsay explained. “Evergreen Memorial Gardens has the honor of continuing the compassionate care that patients and families receive at Community when death occurs, and we bring their loved one into our care.”
Last year their giving became more personal when their family matriarch, Norma Carlson, transitioned to hospice.
“As a family we selected Community to care for her,” Lindsay remembers. “She received such wonderful care and we are forever grateful to the team at Community.”
Learn more about Evergreen
Website: evergreenmemorialgardens.com
Address: 1101 N.E. 112th Ave., Vancouver, WA 98684
Phone: 360.892.6060
