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Robert Elliott Emerson

June 22, 1924 to March 6, 2017

So here’s to old Bob Emerson

He did the best he could.

He lived for better or for worse

But now he’s dead for good.

He always did enjoy his life

Of that there is no doubt.

Although I know it has been said

That he never did figure it out.

So with canvas and paint and brush in hand,

He wants you all to understand

That he is really quite content

Up there, on the Crown of the Continent.

He’s up in an alpine meadow

Where he always wanted to be.

He’s part of that patch of flowers,

He’s part of that alpine tree.

He’s up in that alpine meadow

Where always wanted to be … to be,

That’s where he wanted to be.

So the next time you hike in the mountains

You know that there he’ll be.

So be sure to drop a howdy

On that crooked old alpine tree.

‘Cause that’s where he wanted to be … to be,

That’s where he wanted to be.

Bob penned the foregoing rhyme many moons ago, acknowledging that he had already lived a full and satisfying life and anticipated that “the end” would be knocking on his door eventually, so he’d best prepare in the best way he knew how; artistically. It was his wish that this rhyme headline his obituary, and so it shall.

It was a different world in 1924 when he first took breath in Peoria, Illinois, but he had the enviable knack of being able to grow with the times. He constantly challenged himself and realized early on that he, himself, would be the only thing keeping him from doing anything he put his mind to, so he never let himself get in the way of … himself. Work on the Hungry Horse Dam drew him to Montana, and if there was anywhere on this earth that could capture his heart, it was these great mountains of the Northwest. He raised a family, forged permanent friendships, and settled down in Columbia Falls. He was an avid artisan; woodcarving and painting being his favorite mediums, though in his later years he was passionate about rhythmic drumming.

He is survived by daughter Judy, son Jim, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; all of whom provided him the love and comfort anyone could ever wish for. In the days before his passing he had several light-hearted conversations with many of his family and friends. He was happy and content; we could all wish for such a great life.

If you wish to honor his memory, please visit the galleries of your local artists and buy local; so many dreamers rely so much on your moral support, you can never measure how much a simple visit or conversation can mean to a person.

At his request, there will be no funeral services. Cremation has already taken place and he will soon join his beloved Mody in the mountains he so adored.