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BORN
1934
DIED
2020
Willard Emerson Obituary
Willard Bryan "Skip" Emerson was born May 1, 1934 in Amity, Oregon and passed away June 28 at home on the family farm after a brief battle with brain cancer.
His parents were Georgia (Blanchard) and Jennings Emerson. His family spent some time in Portland, then moved to the family farm in Sheridan. He graduated from Perrydale H.S. and received a M.E.D. from Oregon State after attending both Oregon and Oregon State. His employment included working at the sawmill at Willamina, teaching Industrial Arts at McMinneville H.S., and teaching fire safety at Chemeketa Community College for 23 years. He then started a fire investigating business before deciding to retire and travel. He was also a volunteer fireman at several fire districts and was an SSgt in fire crash rescue for the AFROTC. He received several fireman and teaching awards during his lifetime.
He enjoyed building things, computers, hiking, and traveling. In his retirement he spent half of each year in Arizona. He was able to travel in his motorhome over the entire U.S. and most of Canada. He also made many trips abroad.
He is survived by wife, Connie; his daughter, Teresa; step children, David, Howard, Mike, Marilyn, and Randy; sister, Sandy Moritz; five grandchildren; and nine great grandchildren.
He will be cremated and his ashes spread over the family farm. A memorial will be held later.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Willard Emerson
Sponsored by Statesman Journal.
Rex & Peggy Fetzer
July 8, 2020
Connie, sending our deepest sympathies. We always enjoyed seeing you two at the Palm Creek dances, and Skip in the Computer Club.
Pete Graham
July 6, 2020
Many of us at Palm Creek owe our hikes down the Grand Canyon to Skip and Connie. They faxed our application for the coveted permits nano seconds after the permit period opened. Otherwise many of us would never have had the opportunity of this great experience. For that and many other kindnesses, we are greatly in your debt, Skip. Many thanks.
My condolences on your loss, Connie.
Bob & Ro Deschamps
July 5, 2020
ur condolences to you and your family. Skip was a nice guy with a great smile, Im sure he will be greatly missed by all the PC hykers.
Ro Therrien Deschamps
July 5, 2020
Our condolences Connie to you and your family. Skip was a very nice person who seemed to always smile and was a great hiking leader. The world should have many Skips (Ro from pickleball)
July 4, 2020
Sorry for your loss Connie. Sandra Cowen
Penny and David Rossman
July 3, 2020
Connie, we were so sorry to hear of Skip's passing. He was the Palm Creek Hiking Club and brought joy to the many who hiked with him. We certainly were beneficiaries of his generous gift to the Club. We so loved the story of how you two met at Palm Creek. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack and Linda Hays
July 3, 2020
Connie, our thoughts are with you and your family. So sorry to hear about Skip. We will always remember him as a wonderful neighbor and great hiking leader. He will be missed.
Krista & Rick DeWeerd
July 2, 2020
We are so sorry Connie for your loss. Our prayers and hugs sent
Mary Anne Wilson
July 1, 2020
Skip was an awesome guy! His contributions to the Palm Creek hiking club were unparalleled. He was a gentle and kind man. I will miss him as will the club. My condolences & hugs to his family.
Nancy Archibald
July 1, 2020
Skip and Connie have been the heart and soul of the Palm Creek Hiking Club. Their dedication to the hikers made it possible to hike in places they never thought possible. Skip shared his enthusiasm for the outdoors and hiking with the club members that will continue into the future. Thank You Skip, your gentle soul and big heart will be missed by all.
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