06/26/1930 – 09/17/2023
Tyson Willson Jr., a dedicated educator, esteemed veteran and influential community leader, passed away at his home on Sept. 17, 2023, after a brief illness.
He was born in Hanover, New Hampshire, to Tyson and Dorothy Olsen Willson. He later attended Carlsbad Military Academy and UC Santa Barbara, where he pursued his passion for education.
During the Korean War, Tyson served with distinction, exemplifying commitment to his country. He retired as a colonel in the Army Reserves. Following his military service, he channeled his passion for education into a lifelong mission to nurture and develop the youth of Carpinteria. For over three decades, Tyson held various vital roles in the community, serving as a basketball and baseball coach, a teacher and counselor, and for an impressive 30 years, as principal at Carpinteria Middle School.
Tyson’s dedication to education culminated in the attainment of his master’s degree. He believed that every child held a world of potential, and he worked tirelessly to provide them with the tools and guidance they needed to thrive.
In 1956, while he was a lifeguard at Carpinteria Beach, Tyson met the love of his life, Betty. They were married in 1961.
Alongside former Carpinteria school superintendent Bill Carty, Tyson co-founded the Carpinteria Education Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing education in the area. This endeavor was a testament to Tyson’s unwavering commitment to the betterment of education for the community he held dear.
In 1983, he was honored as Carpinterian of the Year.
Tyson’s infectious smile and legendary love for practical jokes brought joy to all who knew him. His ability to make people laugh was a testament to his warm heart and playful spirit.
Tyson was a long-time member of the Lion’s Club of Carpinteria and spent 20 years on the School Board, contributing his expertise and passion for education to further the growth of the community. Tyson’s dedication to public safety extended to his role as president of the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Department.
Tyson is survived by his wife Betty, sons Scott, Tyler (daughter-in-law Mia, grandchildren Tyson and Mylie) and Tyson (daughter-in-law Linda and grandsons Scott, Kyle and Sean), and sister Dorothy Willson Leftwich.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Carpinteria Education Foundation (pam@carpedfoundation.org; PO Box 9, Carpinteria 93014) and to the Lion’s Club of Carpinteria.
A memorial service to celebrate Tyson’s life will be held at Lion’s Park on Nov. 18, 1–5 p.m.
Tyson Willson Jr. will be fondly remembered for his unwavering commitment to education, his love for his community and the positive impact he had on countless lives. He will also be remembered as an amazing, loving and committed “Grampy.”
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Please give my condolences to the Wilson family. I enjoyed spending time with them in my childhood. He made a lasting impression on me as a family man and principal and I remember him fondly.
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