Michael Robert Emerson, beloved husband, father of four, grandfather of five and great-grand father of one, left this world during the evening hours of March 9, 2017.
Mike was born in Lewiston, ID to Donald and Rose Emerson. He had one sister, Patty (now deceased) and graduated from Clarkston High in Clarkston, WA in 1954 after earning a football scholarship to Oregon State University.
In 1955, Mike suspended his academic pursuits and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Much of his enlistment was spent over seas, primarily in Japan. He was honorably discharged in 1958 with the rank of sergeant. Upon his return to the states he resumed his academic career at the then Montana State University (now the University of Montana) where he had also earned a football scholarship. He played guard for the next three years as a Grizzly, and graduated in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in business/finance.
In 1962 Mike began working for Boeing, and in 1963 married the love of his life, Margaret Kathleen O’Reilly, originally from Butte, MT.
Working for Boeing in a time that has now been dubbed the “Space Race” afforded Mike the opportunity to witness and be involved in many exciting things. These included test launches of the newest and most advanced rockets of the time from Vandenberg Air Force Base in southern California, to working on the Minute Man Missile Project. He even boarded two very special 737’s that would later bear the appellation of Air Force One. These jet aircraft would ultimately serve presidents Johnson, Carter, Nixon, Ford and Ronald Regan.
However, no amount of career success or excitement could ever quiet his love for the North West, and in 1971 Mike and Kay bought a Sears Catalogue franchise and moved to Polson, MT where they raised all four of their children. Despite the annual “snow bird” migrations to Sun City, AZ beginning in 2006, Mike was proud to be a Montanan, and always considered Polson to be his home.
Those who knew him, loved him, and those who love him miss him greatly.
He is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Kathleen, and his four children Peg, Don, John and Matt, his five grandchildren, Cody, Jamie, Bobbi Jean, Ty and Casie Anne as well as his great grandson Oliver.
A private ceremony was held on Saturday March 18, 2017. He will be interred with honors at the National Cemetery in Helena, Montana in the spring.
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Emerson Family –
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
With deep sympathy,
Paula and Eric Taylor
Uncle Mike was simply THE GREATEST! So-so-so many wonderful memories. Love and Prayers to the entire Emerson clan.
My heart goes out to the Emerson Family! I’ve known Mike since I was a little boy, what a great man, you truly will be missed! Rest in peace Mike!
Kay, Peggy, Don, John and Matt,
I was so sad to see Mike’s obituary in the Missoulian today. I have so many wonderful memories of growing up with you guys and spending time at your house. Your dad was full of fun. We just lost our dad on March 5th, and as we’ve spent time at his house on 12 th Avenue, we’ve had fun telling stories about the old neighborhood, including the Emerson family! I hope you are comforted in knowing you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Laurie (Fugleberg) McHugh and the Fugleberg Family (Alan, Ruth, Mark and Tom)
We went to Clarkston High School with Mike and always enjoyed his friendship. So sorry for your loss.
Over eighty years, over a half a century of a great marriage, four wonderful children, grandchildren and a great grand. I’ll miss him, Kay and my heart is with you and the kids.
Much love,
For over 54 years Mike has been a big part of our family – since the day he and Kay first came from Seattle to Spokane so she could introduce him to us before heading to Clarkston to meet his family. So many years, so many terrific memories – taking our young family to visit Mike and my little sis Kathleen as they started their family in Seattle, then Santa Maria and back in Seattle and then all the years in Polson….sadly they moved to Polson the year after we’d move from Polson. Yet over the years we and our kids had many wonderful visits to see them there and always enjoyed theirs here. How we wish we’d recorded the stories he told about growing up in Clarkston, working in Idaho logging camps, football days in Missoula – he had some great tales. And always ended with “now don’t you dare tell my kids!” — let’s say Mike enjoyed those years and all his years – he was a wonderful husband for Kay and a great role model and involved Dad for his kids. Everyone of us will miss him.
It is hard to believe Mike won’t be coming to C’da this summer . He will be so missed !! Mike was such a wonderful husband and father . I am sorry for your loss Peggy , Don, John , Matt and K . Mike was great man that will be remember .
Dear Sissy Kay, Peggy,Donald, John and Matt and the rest of your lovely Kids. We will miss Mike and have many fond memories of Mike and all of you..Be well! Love and Prayers.. A. Eileen
Kay and family. So sorry to hear about mike’s passing. I am grateful to him for his friendship and employing me for nine years at the Polson merchant store. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Dear Kay- I was thinking of you as I have often during the years. I remembered Mike and the Sears store in Montana and started to google. I was sorry to learn of his passing. I called the mortuary in AZ but they are not allowed to give any info out. I am living near my oldest son Darren in NB. Do you remember me at all? Diane Lang from Santa Maria Ca? Tom passed away in 75 so my life has been very different from yours as I mostly have worked…never remarried…can’t remember if I had Donny, Darrens brother before you moved.. your family was so huge! Well, must go to a class. If you are able, email me. Diane