Emmett Meehan

MESA, Ariz. - Emmett Joseph Meehan at 97 years of age passed away peacefully of natural causes Jan. 5, 2013, in Mesa. Emmett was preceded in death by his wife, Inez, and his second son, Richard. He was born in 1915, the fifth of eight children to Irish immigrant parents in Mandan, N.D. He outlived all of his siblings. His father was a railroad telegrapher, and Emmett followed in his footsteps for 39 years working for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads as a station agent/telegrapher during the Depression through World War II and until he retired in the late '70s. Most of his life and career were spent in Montana, where he and Inez raised their four boys in a small town called Huntley near Billings. He attended Rocky Mountain College, meeting and marrying Inez Johnson (1919-2004) and in 1954, earning a degree in business. Earlier he had studied law and traffic management, earning degrees for both. Following his retirement, he and Inez traveled the world, visiting their sons along the way in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Alaska and Washington. After being abroad for a couple of years, they returned to the States and eventually moved from Montana to Washington state to live close to two of their sons who were living on Whidbey Island.

Emmett and Inez loved dancing and took every opportunity to engage in that activity whenever it was possible. Emmett loved classical music, and he and Inez annually joined friends in Jackson Hole, Wyo., to hear great symphonies played there during the summer. In 2005, a year after Inez passed away, Emmett moved to Mesa to enjoy the warmth of the southern climate. There he continued dancing until aged 95 when his legs started to bother him. He was loved by all who surrounded him and was one of the easiest people to meet and enjoy. He was a longtime member of the brotherhood of the Masons in Billings.

Emmett is survived by three sons, Robert (Istanbul, Turkey), Donald (Coupeville, Wash.), Dennis (Sydney, Australia); seven daughters-in-law, Pat Goffena, Kristina Meehan, Donna Meehan, Kathy Hill Meehan, Alice Skiff, Robyn Meehan, Connie Meehan and Linda Kast Meehan; seven grandchildren, Jason Meehan, Rebecca Meehan, Nathan Meehan, Kim Ross, Tonya Meehan-Corsi, Karen Fuller, Christopher Meehan; and seven great-grandchildren.

Emmett's passing ends his generation. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles, Harry and Forrest and his sisters, Margaret, Bernice, Virginia and Doris.

Emmett's ashes will be next to his beloved wife of 63 years in Fairview, Mont. A memorial service has yet to be planned.

Emmett Meehan