Brien Francis Karlson

Brien Francis Karlson, 11, of Redding, CT passed away on February 15, 2023.

Born in Norwalk, CT to Tara Nan (Driscoll) Karlson and Scott James Karlson on April 11, 2011, young Brien brought immeasurable joy and laughter to his parents, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and troop mates with his quick wit, easy laugh, and tireless sense of adventure.

A young but avid outdoorsman, Brien could often be found searching for frogs in the stream behind his home, trolling the water with his minnow trap, or carefully pacing the creeks of Nantucket searching for his precious sea creatures with a 5 gallon bucket and his net.

Brien’s pure, compassionate heart was evident in his every action, as was his love for all of God’s creatures. When a recent barefoot adventure ended with a snake bite to his foot, Brien emerged muddy and smiling as he noted how sorry he was to wake the sleeping reptile.

A member of Redding Boy Scout Troop 15, Brien put his expert knowledge of nature to work during the troop’s many overnight outings, projects, and other good works.

The pride and joy of his parents, Brien’s love of the outdoors was no accident. He would spend long hours with his mother and father deciding which bait was best for the day’s tide and peering through binoculars. An early riser, he treasured quiet mornings with his father and caring for his many animals alongside his mother.

And most of all, Brien got an absolute kick out of his sister. They were a mischievous pair.

Brien’s memory will be cherished and kept alive by all who survive him, including his parents Tara and Scott Karlson; sister Kelly Karlson; grandmother Kathy Karlson of Danbury, CT; grandparents Francis Xavier and Pamela Driscoll of West Haven, CT; aunts and uncles Teresa Karlson of Danbury, CT; Lynda Zamolsky (Peter) of Summerville, SC; Andrew Karlson of Danbury, CT; Brienne “BrieBrie” Driscoll of Norwalk, CT; and Frisk Driscoll (Kristina) of Long Beach, CA; cousins Gwen Karlson and Alexis, Adam, and William Zomolsky; as well as many, many great aunts and uncles and second cousins. Brien was predeceased by his grandfather, Jim Karlson of Danbury, CT.

May God bless Brien Francis, a one of a kind child who will be remembered forever by the many lives he touched.

All are invited to join the family in celebrating the life of young Brien. Family and friends will be received on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 3:30 PM at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church; 207 Main Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks donations be made in Brien’s honor to Redding Boy Scout Troop 15 and Cub Scout Pack 118; 382 Newtown Turnpike Redding, CT 06896.

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