Eugene Emerson

Former Anchorage resident Eugene W. Emerson, 47, died at his residence in San Antonio, Texas, on Nov. 24, 2010. The cause of death is undetermined at this time.

A celebration of Eugene's life will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 12, at The Coast International Inn, 3450 Aviation Ave., in Anchorage.

Born Dec. 15, 1962, in Sunnyside, Wash., Eugene moved with his family to Alaska in 1965. He attended Willowcrest Elementary and Mears Junior and Dimond High schools, graduating in the class of 1982. Throughout his time in Alaska he worked on the North Slope, operating equipment and performing pipeline maintenance. He also worked as a truck driver and an operator for the family business, World Equipment, Inc. in Anchorage.

In high school, he began power lifting and continued body-building through out his life. Eugene enjoyed helping others train and to meet their goals. Eugene won Mr. Anchorage in 1988 and in 1990 won Mr. Alaska. Very few people have won both titles. Eugene will be inducted to the Alaska Body Building Hall of Fame in March 2011.

Incredibly outgoing, Eugene never met a stranger. He had the ability to strike up a conversation and relate to anyone. He was a kind and true gentleman, whose smile and laugh were contagious. He lived life to the fullest, always ready for another adventure and was willing to go where ever life took him. From sky diving, jet skiing, wind surfing, deep sea diving, fast cars and motorcycles, he lived life in the fast lane, looking for the next thrill and trying to push the envelope. With everything Eugene did, he did it all the way, with fierce determination and great discipline.

Eugene moved to Texas in the spring of 2006, seeking warm weather and his passion for jet skiing, looking for that next big wave. He was employed as an operator of an Anchorage development company in Kyle, Texas, and worked for the City of San Marcus in water maintenance and with Sign Tek in San Antonio.

At a later date there will be a gathering of close friends that share his passion for jet skiing and the love of the ocean in Corpus Christi, Texas. At that time Eugene will go for his last ride as they spread his ashes in the ocean.

Eugene leaves behind his Mother, Charlotte Emerson; brothers, Glen and Craig Emerson; sister, Colleen Thompson; brother-in-law, Donnie Thompson; nieces, Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Stefanie McQuality and Ambrea Emerson, all of Anchorage; grandmother, Dorothy West; and aunt, Blanche Tobin of Sunnyside, Wash.

Eugene was preceded in death by his father Charles (Chuck) Emerson in July 2004; grandparents, Howard and Cloie Emerson; and grandfather, Harold West in October 1997.