David (Davey) Edward Carlson passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 21, with his loving daughter, Lauren, by his side. Dave was survived by his mother, two sisters, two daughters and two grandchildren.
Dave was born on July 12th, 1956 in Torrance, Calf. and moved to Anaheim in his early childhood. He grew up riding motorcycles through the orange groves near his home where he developed his passion for racing. "Davey," as his racing friends called him, found his passion in riding motorcycles at Saddleback Raceway in Orange County, Calif. in the late ‘60s and early ’70s. Davey was the test rider for Bonanza Mini-Bike and Minibike Guide, winning nationals titles, Mini-bike World Champion and Winner of the Orange Bowl of Motocross. Davey was featured on the covers of MiniBike Guide and MiniCycle Magazines and photographed in two books titled "mini-bike racing" by David-Linn Seaver & "Minibikes," written and photographed by Ed Radlauer. Davey was highlighted as a "Rider Who Made History" at the 5th Annual "Days of Glory" Vintage Motorcycle show in New York in 1996.
Dave decided to stay close to his parents and the family business and bought a home in Anaheim in the early '80s. Dave raised his two daughters and worked as an electrician and general contractor for the family business (CDC/FDM). Dave built numerous major fast food chain restaurants throughout California and the Southwest.
In October 2021, Dave moved to Mount Kisco, to live with his daughter, Lauren, son-in-law, Michael, and grandchildren, Joseph and Claire. Dave enjoyed watching movies, socializing with his friends and family and supporting his grandchildren. Dave and his grandson, Joe, loved watching movies and having long conversations. Dave also loved watching his granddaughter, Claire, dance and finding new ways to be silly with her, such as learning Mandarin and speaking it to one another. He would spend hours giving advice, telling stories, listening to music, and telling jokes to his grandchildren. Dave was very proud of his family and his most memorable qualities were his selflessness and kindness. He would always find the humor in any situation and made sure everyone who was lucky enough to call him a friend was taken care of.
We will forever miss the light and laughter that David Edward Carlson brought into this world. The example he set and the legacy he left will live on in our minds and in our hearts.
