Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Arthur “Art” Joseph Carroll, a dedicated public servant, lifelong forest ranger and tireless community volunteer, passed away peacefully at his home on Feb. 28, 2026. He was 90 years old. Born in 1935 in Saratoga Springs, New York, Art’s early years near the Saratoga Race Course sparked a lifelong love for horses and the outdoors. After graduating from St. Peter’s High School in 1953, he served two years in the U.S. Army as a field artilleryman. He later attended Michigan State University, where he earned a B.S. in forestry and met his wife of more than 65 years, Diana Jean Carroll.
Art’s 40-year career with the U.S. Forest Service took his family across the West. He served as a district ranger in Mammoth Lakes and Ojai, assistant forest supervisor for the Angeles National Forest, and forest supervisor for both the Uinta Wasatch-Cache and Los Padres National Forests. He concluded his career as the Area Manager for the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area, retiring in 2000.
In retirement, Art’s commitment to stewardship only deepened. A fixture in the Hood River community, he was instrumental in the completion of the Indian Creek Trail system, where a bridge was named “Carroll’s Crossing” in his honor. His more than 5,000 volunteer hours toward ADA-compliant trails earned him the 2011 Doug Newman Volunteer of the Year Award and a 2013 Oregon State Trails Honor.
Art was a cornerstone of several local organizations, including the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum, the Odell Lions Club, the St Mary’s Knights of Columbus and the Hood River FISH Food Bank.
An avid sportsman, Art was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan and played semi-pro baseball. At age 80, he famously walked Bandon Dunes, carrying his own clubs for four days.
Art is survived by his wife, Diana; children Linda, Steve (Lora), and Catherine; daughter-in-law Sara; eight grandchildren; and siblings Gerry, Pat, and Ann. He was preceded in death by his son, David, and brother, Bill.
Visitation will be held Friday, March 20 from 4-6 p.m. at Anderson’s Tribute Center, 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River; a rosary will follow at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, March 21 at 10 a.m., also at Anderson’s. A livestream will be available.
Columbia Gorge News, March 11, 2026
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