Clarence Joseph Emmons

Clarence Joseph Emmons, age 53, passed away at his home in Grants Pass, OR, on November 6th, 2025, after a multi-year battle with cancer.

Clarence was born in Stanford, CA, on February 24th, 1972, to Victoria (Bellone) and Terence Emmons. Clarence spent much of his childhood skateboarding, engaging in shenanigans with his cul-de-sac buddies, and traveling the world with his parents and brother. After graduating from Henry M. Gunn Senior High School in 1989, Clarence continued his studies at San Jose State University. Clarence spent much of his 20s in the field of graphic design before transitioning to biomedical engineering in his early 30s. At the end of his career in biomedical engineering, Clarence was named as an inventor on 18 patents, including lead inventor on three of them.

Married in August of 2003, Clarence and his wife resided in Santa Cruz, CA, where they raised their two daughters before moving to Grants Pass in the summer of 2021. In Santa Cruz, Clarence could be found fishing off his paddleboard, teaching his girls how to surf and skateboard, catching a Giants game, entertaining friends, or soaking up the ocean sights on his one-wheel skateboard.

Clarence was a man of many talents, whose curiosity and creativity led him to be proficient in a wide range of interests, including sculpting, graphic design, drone assembly and flight, 3D printing, woodworking, windsurfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding (plus many others). However, summers spent with his grandmother in France and working at his mother's catering business fostered one of his biggest passions: cooking. Clarence's family and friends were often treated to gourmet meals that could rival any five-star restaurant. His wife credits his Salade Niçoise (Google it) early in their relationship as the moment she knew he was "the one". Clarence's intellect, humor, and creativity will be greatly missed.

Clarence was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer in 2018 at age 46. Although the initial prognosis was hopeful, he was diagnosed with terminal recurrence in 2021. After his diagnosis, Clarence became a strong advocate for early detection, wanting his experience to serve as motivation for others to get a colonoscopy.

Clarence is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 22 years, Becky (Heater), daughters Quinn and Remi, parents Victoria and Terry, brother Joseph, and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held on January 17, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at The Haul in Grants Pass, Oregon.