Daniel "Dan" L. Carlin

Daniel L. Carlin, “Dan,” cherished husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2024, at his home in Bluffton, South Carolina. He was 97 years old.

Born in Chicago in 1927 to Elsie Mae Hurst and Daniel Lulus Carlin, Dan exhibited a zest for life from a young age. His passion for adventure was evident early on when he owned both a car and a plane, earning his pilot’s license at an early age.  He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago and went on to open his own real estate business. His career took him to the Savings and Loan industry in California.  He loved his communities and was involved in many civic groups.  He enjoyed golfing, dancing, making his family and friends laugh, and sharing a good scotch. 

Dan spent most of his life in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California with his adored wife June Kindig Carlin. They raised their three daughters Misty, Patty, and Vicki who were his pride and joy.  Dan retired to Mexico, where he eventually met his wonderful, second wife, Pat Rutkowski of New York. They enjoyed many years exploring and traveling together. After ten years in Mexico, they made Bluffton, South Carolina their home.

It is hard to describe a long life well lived. Dan was the life of the party wherever he went, known for his quick wit, and great sense of humor, and captivating stories. He had a sharp eye for stylish automobiles, houses, and clothing.  He was exceptionally clever and creative, consistently going above and beyond to make a memorable impact for others. There wasn’t a problem he would not attempt to solve. His wisdom and opinions, sought after or not, were cherished by his family.  He was caring and generous.  Family was important to him.  He was an adored uncle to Michael, Rob, Paul, Peter C., David, Sue, Richard, Tommy, Steve, Peter H., Holly, Danna, Bradley, and Kimberly.  As a grandfather, he enjoyed spending playful time with Jake, Josie, Kevin, Lauren, Hannah, and his namesake, Carlin Anne. 

As fate would have it, his wife Pat Rutkowski passed away 28 days prior to him. He was predeceased by his parents, all his siblings and their spouses: Muriel (Bob) Schermerhorn of Connecticut, Danna  (Russ) Davenport of Oklahoma, Richard (Evie) Carlin of Chicago, Roger (Shirley) Carlin of Chicago/Florida, and Connie (Buzz) Hungett of California. He was also preceded in death by his first wife June Kindig Carlin, cousins Jack ( Polly) Carlin and their son Brian Carlin of Santa Barbara, CA, as well as nephews Peter Carlin (IL), Paul Carlin (AZ), Tommy Davenport (OK), and Steve Hungett (AZ/SC); and his stepdaughter and son-in-law Norby (Larry) Gasho (McLean, VA). 

Dan is survived by his daughters and their spouses: Misty (Mike) Carpenter of Ventura, CA; Patty (Casey) Beal of Mandeville, LA;  Vicki (Mike) Odello of Carmel, CA; stepson David (Carol) Rea (Edmonds, WA); his grandchildren Jake Odello (Carmel Valley, CA), Josie (Justin) Irby (Carmel Valley, CA), Kevin Carpenter (Ventura, CA), Lauren Carpenter (Ventura, CA), Carlin Beal (Dallas, TX), and Hannah (Brayden) Bourg (Madisonville, LA) and a great-grandchild, Weslie Joseph Bourg, due in March 2025, his step grandchildren Eric Rea (Edmonds, WA), and Anne (JD) Krohn (Washington DC). He is also survived by his cousin Steve (Christine) Carlin (San Diego, CA) and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

The family extends a special thank you to loving neighbors the Kerney’s and  Santone’s in Bluffton, SC, and to dear friends Lisa Karoon and Dee Ladson.

Dan’s legacy of humor, adventure, and love will be fondly remembered and deeply missed.

In honor of Dan, please take a moment to pray, as he did daily, for love and laughter to be spread around the world.