Passed away peacefully at the age of 97 on September 8, 2024, at Extendicare Maple View Nursing Home.
Predeceased in May 2024 by his loving and dedicated wife of 76 years, Joyce (Beaton). Devoted father to the late Philip (Marilyn), Lloyd/Max (Cindy), Cheryl (Phil) and Janice (Don). Grandfather to Matthew (Karita), Brooke (Bryan), Aaron, Bryanna (Kyle) and Leah (Billy). Great-grandfather to 12. Predeceased by siblings Lloyd (late Doreen), Gloria (late Bill), and survived by his youngest sister Margaret (late Vic).
Emerson was a hard-working machinist at Algoma Central Railway for 47 years, where he also served as the union rep. He was on the board of directors at the Soo Pee Wee Hockey Arena from its inception 56 years ago and was still attending meetings well into his 80s. His most memorable time there was managing the Soo Pee Wee hockey team to victory at the world-acclaimed Quebec City Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in 1963 (with his son Lloyd playing on the team). For his significant contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the Sault Ste. Marie Hockey Hall of Fame in 1992. As a younger man, Emerson played city softball and was an avid five pin bowler. Later in life, he took up golf. He was also an avid gardener, maintaining flower, fruit and vegetable gardens and was presented with the Trillium Award for his flower gardens and landscaping at his home on Peach Drive. Thank you, Dad, for all the backyard hockey and skating rinks (complete with boards) and the homemade tobogganing hills...all iced to perfection.
Emerson was robbed by dementia in the last several years of his life but is finally at peace and reunited with the love of his life.
A special thank you to the wonderful staff at Maple View Nursing Home and Collegiate Heights Retirement Home for the care you provided our dad.
Cremation has taken place, and a private service will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522). Memorial contributions made payable online or by cheque to the Alzheimer’s Society, Canadian Tire Jumpstart, or a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Bentley family.