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Lawrence Embley Obituary
A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Faith Christian Community, with viewing from noon-1 p.m. A celebration and reception is planned after the service. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family asks that you bring a card with a great Lee moment inside.
Lee was born May 22, 1917, in Salmon, Idaho. He learned about plumbing at an early age because his father made him thread pipe as a punishment when he was just 6 years old. Around age 10, during the Great Depression, he worked in North Carolina and later as a ranch hand in Big Hole Basin, Mont. Lee met his wife, Thelma Heaton, in California in 1944. He accidentally knocked her down a flight of stairs and married her one week later.
Lee worked as a plumber in California and Washington. In 1951, he left Longview, Wash., for the Territory of Alaska and Thelma later followed by driving the Alaska Highway in a 1950s Buick with their three young children and Lee's father.
Lee worked at the Nike Ballistic Missile site and in many rural villages. Lee and Thelma homesteaded near Four Corners, now the intersection of Jewel Lake and Raspberry roads. While their home was under construction, they needed a tractor to get down the mud trail, now known as Raspberry Road. They moved into their home on Easter Sunday in 1953.
The homestead is also where Lee started his business, Circle Plumbing and Heating, in 1971. He retired from the plumbers and pipefitters union in 1981 and later from Circle in 1999. Those who knew Lee knew he never really stopped working.
Lee thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working in the shop yard and spending time with family and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Thelma.
He leaves behind a wonderful legacy of family and friends, including daughter Joyce Knight; sons, Ken and Tom Embley and daughter-in-law, Connie. He has 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren: Tammy, Mark, Kevin and Kelly Wondzell; Tina, Brandon, Daisy and Blade Knight-Highstone; Larry, Heidi, Ryan and Gracie Embley; T.J. Embley and Jamie Acton; Kyle, Jessie, Kyla and Taytum Embley; Kendra, Patrick, Gregory and Alexis Goforth; and Lon Embley, all of Anchorage; and Scott, Lisa, Justin and Mitchell Stanek of California.
It is impossible to list all the people who have touched and been touched by Lee's life. He had an endless amount of love to give. When asked the secret to living a long, happy life, he said, "Surround yourself with good friends and family."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lawrence Embley
Myron Rosenberg
April 2, 2011
I met Mr. Embley, then 91, on a Sunday afternoon in October, 2009. I will never forget the favorable impression I had of him. He came from Anchorage with Ken just to visit my new property in Palmer, which Ken was making livable for me. I pride myself in being an astute judge of character...as much about the essence of a person can be seen in their appearance and demeanor. It is these intangible attributes, that exude from some people, and that I endeavor to commit to film. I remember, clearly, this diminutive man, buoyant afoot, reaching his hand to me in friendship, a beaming smile, and a vice-like clasp of my paw, with these sparkling eyes of a teenager. I recall saying to Ken, "What a wonderful, youthful, man you are blessed to have as your dad." I thought he was the embodiment of my idol, Jack LaLanne. I recognize your substantial loss; but, be consoled to know that he lives on...as long as his name is spoken. Your friend. Myron Rosenberg
Wayne & Gloria Richardson
March 27, 2011
It was a honor to have known Lee and the entire Embley family. We're so sorry for your loss. Sure makes us miss everybody. We love you ...
Elizabeth McCord
March 26, 2011
The last time I seen Lee, was while visiting him at the hospital with Tina. He was in great spirits, good stories to share, and always a big smile. He loved his granddaughter & grandchildren so much! Was always happy to see his family. I am glad to have been given that chance to be there. Condolences to the family & friends for this great loss, but a greater gain in Heaven!
Tammy Harrah-Stevens
March 26, 2011
I just found out about Lee's passing. I am sure that he is rejoycing with others that have gone before him. I am sorry for your loss.
Sharon Neeley Daniel
March 26, 2011
Joyce, Ken, Tom & the Embley Family;
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your father. With the passing of Lee, a mainstay in the fabric of Anchorage and all of Alaska is gone.
May God comfort & keep you,
March 25, 2011
Never knew Lee, but a person I would enjoy knowing. Sorry for you loss.
March 25, 2011
Lee was one of dearest Friends. Iwill never forget the Sundays he brought Thelma to Sunday School. She was in a wheel chair and no matter how cold it was they were there. He was so attentive and good to her, as he was always good to me. I will miss him terribly. He has a wonderful Family who will carry on his good works and good name.
Sorry I can not be at the service as I am still out of state.
Jeanne Edwards
Jim and Kathy Tuttle
March 25, 2011
Kenny, Tommy and Joyce.
It is with great sadness that we heard about Lee's passing. We will always cherish the memory of his big smile and tall tales. It seemed that he was most content when sharing one of his innumerable stories with us. His death would be devastating if we didn't know that he will be greeting us again someday with his big smile and tall tales. When Lee passed, Alaska lost one of it’s pioneers and a true gentlemen. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Debbie Nait
March 25, 2011
Dear Embley Family,
My sincere condolences to all of you. For many years I ran between Lee's house and my grandparents and every time I came over he would welcome me with his sweet smile and twinkling eyes. I remember him often working in his shop and he would joyfully greet Tina and I and allow us I to watch him work or let us "play" with his tools. I know Granddad will be missed by so many. Blessings to all of you.
Love, Debbie (Calladine) Nait
March 24, 2011
To The Embley Family
While I had only a brief meeting with your father, long after he retired from the plumbing business, he came to my home with his son, Tom. I offered Mr. Embley a cup of coffee but Tom said they wouldn't be here long enough to drink it. I looked at Mr. Embley who had a twinkle in his
eye that told me a cup of coffee would be just fine. Thank you.
But, though we didn't get a chance to know one another I feel I knew him through his legacy to his sons, Tom and Ken, who embody his spirit of loyal customer service and hard work. My sincere condolences at your loss. My hope is that you will take comfort in knowing you learned his lessons well.
Suzanne & Leroy Barker
Portland, Oregon
March 24, 2011
Our love and prayers are with the family.
Lonnie & Marcy Adkins
March 24, 2011
Am so sorry to hear about your father..I remember all the good times we had with your family in the 70's and 80's..my thoughts and prayers are for you an your family..Kit Kenney Fogel
Jerry Wertzbaugher
March 24, 2011
Joyce and Family:
Sorry for your loss. I know you will miss your dad every day for the rest of your life.
Didn't realize we shared so much history (besides classes at Turnagain and Sand Lake Elementary) ; i.e., driving w/Mom over AlCan in '51 to join Dad, a plumber from CA, who went North to spend 30 years in Local 367.
Mom is joining us for a 60th anniversary trip over the AlCan in two weeks; we will make a point of including your family in our memories of those long ago adventures and in appreciating our departed Fathers.
LTC Anita Baker
March 24, 2011
Uncle Lawrence also served in the U.S. Army Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lewis, WA prior to WWII.
Lester Eastlick
March 24, 2011
Joyce Ken and Tom and family.
I am truly sorry to hear of
Lee passing. I am giving a lot of thought of what great uncle lee story I would like to share. I have one in mind that I am sure you have not heard yet.
Ash
March 24, 2011
The mighty moose hunter will still be out there every year.Lee was a kind man. My family will be thinking of Lee as we wed our daughter in Olympia this weekend.
Ash
March 24, 2011
Kenny, Tommy, Larry, Kyle, Joyce:
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dude.
He was such a great guy and he and Thelma were always so good to me. I always enjoyed chatting with him and listening to the great insights he had on life. Mostly I remember that he never had a bad thing to say about anybody and chose rather to only see the good in everyone. Please know that others share your memories and are thinking about you in your time of loss.
Dinger
Vickie Edinger
March 24, 2011
So sorry for your loss. Vickie Edinger
Neighbor
March 24, 2011
70 is our life time. 80 with special mightiness. ( Psalm 90:10) Lawrence was blessed with 93 years of special mightiness. may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories as you celebrate a life well lived.
March 24, 2011
Dear Ken, Tom, Joyce and Family
So sorry to hear of Lee's death. Best wishes to you all.
Barbara and Jerry (Tex) Ritter
Charlottesvile, VA
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