Nevada banker Carlson dies, 74

Richard A. Carlson, 74, who helped establish Nevada State Bank as one of the state's largest financial institutions, died Tuesday.

"He really built the foundation, and he built Nevada State Bank into what it has become -- one of the largest banks in Nevada," said Harris Simmons, chairman and chief executive officer of $53 billion- asset Zions Bancorporation, a bank-holding company in Salt Lake City.

Nevada State has $4 billion in assets and 72 offices. It started operations in December 1959, and Carlson joined in 1963.

Zions acquired Nevada State in 1985, the first transaction under a Nevada law permitting interstate banking. Nevada State had $200 million in assets and six banking locations.

Carlson was CEO, and Simmons decided to retain him in that position.

"He ran a bank that was consistently profitable and clean, and that's one of the highest compliments that I can pay anybody," Simmons said.

"Dick was no riverboat gambler," he said. "He was careful and fastidious with details, but he was also great with customers. He was reserved and quiet, but he had a great sense of humor and was a great businessman."

William Martin, CEO of Service1st Bank of Nevada and former CEO of Nevada State, said he was never able to persuade Carlson's customers to switch banks.

"He built great loyalty in his customers, because he was a gentleman," Martin said. "He could read and judge people very quickly. He had this unique quality of being able to lead by example."

Carlson was born in Ellensburg, Wash., and spent his early years on a dairy farm, but he lived in Southern Nevada for 45 years.

He served in the Navy during the Korean War and earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics at Central Washington College. He started his banking career in his hometown with Washington National Bank, later moving to Las Vegas and joining Nevada State.

Daughter Britta Carlson recalled that her father never had a private office but instead worked from a desk in a room with other executives. She often meets business people who say her father helped them get started.

Carlson had a variety of positions, including 17 years as president and CEO. He retired in 1995 but remained on the bank board until 2006.

Carlson was active in numerous community groups, serving as chairman of the Nevada Bankers Association and chairman of the United Way locally.

Survivors include his wife, Ardette Carlson; son Brett Carlson; daughter Britta Carlson; brothers Ron Carlson and Duane Carlson; sisters Denna Wilson and Lisa Olen; and one granddaughter.

Services will be held at 4 p.m. today at Palm Mortuary, 1325 N. Main St. The family asks that donations be made to the American Parkinson's Foundation or the Nathan Adelson Hospice in lieu of flowers.

Contact reporter John G. Edwards at jedwards@reviewjournal.com or (702) 383-0420.