Robert M. Carlin

A Life of Faith, Love, and Discovery

Robert M. Carlin, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and great-uncle, passed away on March 15, 2025, at JA Wedum Hospice due to complications of Arachnoiditis. He was 71 years old.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, to Elsa and Ralph Carlin, Robert was raised in the New Orleans area, where he developed a lifelong love for the sea, faith, and discovery. His intelligence, humor, and generous spirit touched all who knew him, and his passion for nature, technology, travel, and family defined his remarkable life.

Robert lived in Lafayette, Louisiana, for over 30 years, where he worked at C&C Technologies as a founding software/CAD programmer. His contributions to pioneering CAD-based ocean mapping and early multibeam survey projects played a crucial role in translating survey data into highly accurate digital maps. Prior to his time at C&C, he worked as a project manager at Autocon and as an AutoCAD drafter at Chevron. His technical expertise and problem-solving skills were widely respected in his field.

Beyond his career, Robert had a deep appreciation for nature and exploration. From collecting thousands of shells on Sanibel Island since the 1970s to peaceful fishing trips in the Atchafalaya Basin with his beloved wife, Paulette, he found joy in the beauty of the natural world. His love for travel took him on adventures across the country and beyond, where he soaked in new cultures, landscapes, and experiences. Whether visiting historical sites, road-tripping through scenic landscapes, or setting out on spontaneous getaways, Robert embraced every journey with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Above all, Robert’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Paulette V. Carlin for 51 beautiful years, a loving father to Jennifer Hanson and son-in-law Scott Hanson, and a proud grandfather to Zelie Hanson and Sam Hanson. He is also survived by his brother Edward Carlin and sister-in-law Linda Carlin, as well as their sons, Christian Carlin (wife Amanda Carlin) and Matthew Carlin. Robert was a loving great-uncle to Eliza Carlin, daughter of Christian and Amanda. He shared a special bond with his niece, Amy Schmidt, whom he loved like a daughter, along with her husband Christian Schmidt and their daughter, his grand-niece, Amelia Schmidt. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Steve Hourcade, but remained close to his sister-in-law, Carol Hourcade, throughout his life.

In his final days, Robert was comforted by his faith and received the anointing of the sick from Father Ben Wittnebel, providing peace and blessings to him and his family.

Services

Private Mass of Christian Burial

📅 Saturday, April 5, 2025 – 10:00 AM📍 St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Folsom, Louisiana🔹 This will be an intimate event for immediate family only.

Interment & Second Line Procession

📅 12:00 PM📍 Greenwood Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana🎺 Extended family and friends are welcome to join in celebrating Robert’s life with a jazz second line and prayer service.

Private Celebration of Life

📍 Home of Edward and Linda Carlin🔹 This gathering will be for immediate family only.

Special Thanks

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to Grace Hospice and the wonderful staff who cared for Robert at home for 15 months, including RN Kelly O’Brien, LPN Tami, LPN Melanie, Chaplain Matthew, and Social Worker Emily. Your dedication and kindness made a profound difference in his life and ours.

A heartfelt thank you as well to the amazing staff at JA Wedum Hospice, who provided Robert with compassionate care during his final three days and ensured that our entire family was surrounded by love and support.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to the International Arachnoiditis Support Group, “Brothers in Arachnoiditis,” including Lew Sypher, Ira Blank, Dennis Trisch, Mark Goodman, Steve Lovelace, Joseph, Keith, Bobby, and many other members who provided unwavering support and understanding to each other throughout their journeys. Your friendship and strength were a beacon of hope for Robert and so many others.

Additionally, special thanks go to Lori Verton and Eve Blackburn at the Arachnoiditis and Chronic Meningitis Collaborative Research Network for their support and dedication in connecting those affected by this rare disease. Your efforts have provided invaluable community, knowledge, and encouragement to Robert and so many others navigating this journey.

In Lieu of Flowers

Donations can be made to The Arachnoiditis and Chronic Meningitis Collaborative Research Network to support further research and advocacy for those affected by this rare disease. 🔗 Donate Here

Robert’s legacy of love, faith, discovery, and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His family and friends will forever cherish the wisdom, laughter, and kindness he brought into their lives.