opinion

John Carlson
by Linda Watt

My husband Leo and I are deeply saddened at the passing of our dear friend John Carlson. During our three years in Panama, we spent many warm and stimulating hours with John and Jackie, including a memorable New Year’s Eve at the Carlson home. That evening was very special to me, as it was relaxed, nothing ceremonial, just at home with a few friends. When we left Panama, it was to John that we entrusted our little boat that had given us such pleasure, finding special spots on Lake Gatun for bird watching or fishing. I was always grateful that John treated me as just Linda, not as the American Ambassador, a public figure who had to be catered to or who had something he wanted. John was like that with everybody, I think; he was only impressed with what kind of person you were, not who you were or what job you held.

John was a Panamanian who loved Panama --- its Canal, its history, its heritage, its promise. He and Jackie raised their boys to cherish their country. John was also a citizen of the world. We had great conversations about the United States with all its flaws and its virtues. He was a Renaissance Man who was interested in everything and was a raconteur of the first order. John filled up the room with his voice and his stories and his opinions. He loved to debate and discuss and argue. You really had to know your stuff around John, because he probably knew more than you did, or at least made you feel that way. He loved the Panama Historical Society, and was my source for numerous crumbly old books about Panama’s fascinating past. Those books have a special place in my library, and now in my heart, because they remind me of John.

Leo and I loved to hang around John’s little “office” at the back of the boat garage in Diablo. It was a place for companionship, some microwave popcorn, maybe a beer, and to solve the problems of the day. And we treasured our visits to the beautiful Carlson hideaway in El Valle. Listening to the rushing stream and playing with the dogs, again this was a spot for enjoying the company of a person of depth and humor and good will.

I know that God has a special place in heaven for John. I hope it has interesting people for him to hang out with, and a glorious Canal and fish and beautiful cuipo trees.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory. 

 

The author was US Ambassador to Panama