Obituary - Robert E. Emerson

Monday, October 8, 2001
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Capt. Robert "Kingfisher Bob" Emerson died Oct. 5, 2001, in Juneau.

The son of Joseph and Molly Emerson, he was born in Cass City, Mich., on April 29, 1920. He grew up in Santa Monica, Calif., and joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1939. He spent three years in the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II and received both the Navy Unit Commendation and Silver Star Medals.

Upon graduation from flight school in 1947 he married Marcelle Champagne in Glenbrook, Conn. He continued an illustrious career with the Coast Guard and retired in 1972 as 17th District chief of staff. He received three letters of commendation, a Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and Air Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. Upon retirement he began a commercial fishing career, which he pursued until 1999.

He moved to Juneau with his family in 1970, where he was an active participant in community, church and veteran associations.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marcelle; sons Tom Emerson and wife Susan, Robert Emerson, Joe Emerson and wife Ulla; daughter Kathleen Foxley and husband Greg; nephew Phil Emerson; brother Jack Emerson; sister Mary Limebrook; sister-in-law Lenore Emerson; 10 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation and Rosary will be held at Alaskan Memorial Park and Mortuary in Juneau from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9. A funeral mass will be held at the Cathedral of the Nativity in Juneau at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10. The mass will be followed by a burial service at the Evergreen Cemetery and a reception at the church hall at 4:30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emerson's name to Hospice of Juneau.

---