GEORGE RAY EMERY

A Celebration of Life service was held for George Ray Emery, 67, at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at the Douglas High School Auditorium in Douglas, Wyoming with Kari Gray as the eulogist.  Masonic rites were conducted by Ashlar Masonic Lodge #10 AF & AM.

George Emery died Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at the Wyoming Medical Center in Casper, Wyoming.

George liked the poem “The Dash” devoted to the life between a person’s birth and date of death.  George’s dash, while not long enough, was big and full of color.  It was the dash we all aspire to – a life well lived.

George was born Monday, September 28, 1953 in Douglas, Wyoming the second son of Donovan Herbert “Don” and Hazel “Lucille” (Freeman) Emery.  He joined his life-long comrade – older brother, Bert.  A few years later Ben came along and the family was complete.  They lived in Lance Creek, Jay Em (where George started school), and then Douglas (where George remained for his entire life).  George graduated from the Douglas High School in 1972.

George met Becky Lynn McChesney, the love of his life, in high school.  He was cutting up in homeroom, until the teacher had enough and sent him out.  Becky’s first impression was not a good one.  Fortunately, not one to make snap judgments, she gave him a second chance.  Forty-seven years packed with laughter, tears, and life – proved that she was right. 

They were blessed with two children – Josh and Sara.  The kids were George’s pride and joy. They were a bright mischievous fun-loving pair. George was Sara’s first teacher – imagine that she too loves heavy equipment.  Josh was George’s mini, they walked, talked and moved the same.  Josh’s death broke George’s heart and left a deep, permanent sorrow.  Sara became his best friend.  They rarely went a day without talking.  They worked on projects together, told and retold stories and sometimes just “tooled” around town or down dirt roads.  George, Becky, and Sara shared their love for Trey

Becky’s family became George’s family, and his family became hers.  They welcomed nieces and nephews into their home and loved them like their own.  The families worked and played together.  For example, George helped brother Bert build his house and Bert surprised George with a fully constructed chicken shed.

George enjoyed hard work and he was valued by his employers, co-workers, and customers.  He worked construction, took pride in a job well done and had special skill with large equipment.  Once a company George worked for sold to another – the buyout included an unusual contingency.  George had to agree to work for the new company too – no George – no deal.  George was a quiet guy.  He stood back and observed – when something needed done, he did it – load, unload, repair, construct, sweep, or move.  He was not showy or loud, just there when needed. 

He had a knack for meeting people.  He was able to strike up a conversation in a grocery store line or on a street corner.  He usually found a common connection and almost always a new friend.  George valued friends and he would regularly check-in.  His morning routine included them.  He would get coffee from Grasslands, stop at the city yard, and make a phone call or two before arriving early to work.

George was Becky’s right hand.  He joined her almost every night she was on duty at the Moose.  Then he would haul ice, stock the cooler, or move tables. If things were quiet, he’d tell a few stories before heading home.

Everything George did was touched by kindness. He made our days brighter and this good-bye hard to say.

George was preceded in death by his father, Donovan Herbert Emery, on October 18, 1990; mother, Hazel Lucille Emery, on May 5, 2006; and son, Joshua Hazen Emery, on September 9, 1994.

He was survived by his wife, Becky; daughter, Sara; brothers, Bert and Ben; grandson, Trey; and three great grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers will be all of his family and friends.

A memorial to the Douglas Moose Lodge #602, P.O. Box 168, Douglas, Wyoming 82633 would be appreciated by the family.

The Gorman Funeral Homes – Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming was in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.gormanfh.com

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