Ambrose "Coach" Emard
November 4, 1928 - February 22, 2024
Ambrose "Coach" Emard was born in Red Lake Falls, Minnesota on November 4, 1928. He died in his home in Santa Clarita on February 22, 2024, with his children around him. Ambrose was the fourth youngest of 13 children. His father, Mose Emard, was a French-Canadian who immigrated to Minnesota to be a homestead farmer, where he married Lydia Patnode of Gervais township, Red Lake. Ambrose played football in high school, becoming known despite his small stature, as a "hammer" on the field. During the Korean War he served 2 years in the Army. Once home, he worked full time as a bartender and with the help of the G.I bill, got a physical education degree from the University of North Dakota. In the early 1950s he married Constance Cartier, also from Red Lake Falls. Their daughters Lydia and Mary Lee were born shortly afterward. The family moved to southern California in 1962. After a brief stay in Ventura, where their son Peter was born, Coach and Connie moved to Newhall to teach at Placerita Jr. High. When Sierra Vista Junior High opened in Canyon Country, Coach became for a time the school's only P.E. teacher. To supplement the family's growing need for income after settling in Santa Clarita, he often picked up bartending shifts, his skill in the business culminating in his owning the Valencia Room, which served him well in his later years. He retired after 40 years of teaching and a good many of bar ownership, and spent the next ten years as manager of the VFW 6885 canteen, embracing and being embraced by a close-knit community of veterans and their families.
To half the people in this valley, he was just known as "Coach." He was funny, compassionate, roaringly impatient, and kind, kind, kind. He couldn't bear to see anyone unhappy and did whatever he could to fix it. He loved his life, and touched many, many, hearts.
He is survived by his children, Lydia, Mary Lee, and Peter Emard; his brothers Paul and Moe Emard; his grandsons, Sam and Jake Owens and Alex Emard; and his last love, Dianne Hice.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to the Disabled American Veterans.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Santa Clarita Valley Signal from Mar. 18 to Mar. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Ambrose "Coach" Emard

4 Entries

Pamela Edington

November 16, 2024

Dear Coach Emard Family,

I wanted to take a moment to share something that has stayed with me all these years.

I'm in my 50s today, but the kindness Coach showed me as the "Coach of the EDP Program" still brings a smile to my face. He was more than a coach; he was a listening ear and a comforting presence to a little girl acting out due to the death of her father. His patience, understanding, and support made a world of difference during a very challenging time in my life.

His kindness had a lasting impact, and I carry the lessons he taught me with great appreciation.

My thoughts are with you.
Pamela E. "88"

Erik Stach

March 29, 2024

Coach,
I remember well your days as my PE teacher at Sierra Vista. And many years later we were members of VFW Post 6885 in Canyon Country. You were an awesome gentleman and I am glad to have known you.
Godspeed!
Colonel Erik Stach, (USAF, ret.)

Art C

March 19, 2024

best PE teacher every had him my 3 years (64-67) he made PE and school a lot of fun. Thank you Coach RIP.

Ric Murray

March 19, 2024

Sending my most heartfelt condolences to all his kids and his wife.
My mom was a PE teacher at Sierra Vista back in the late 60s and early 70s. We were so fortunate as a family to have coach as a dear friend of our family, he will be remembered with love and Prayers by all who were lucky enough to know him.
Thank you Ambrose for all the love.
Rest In Peace

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

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