Bob Emery’s life celebrated at Poway ceremony

Former Poway City Councilman Bob Emery was remembered for his sense of humor, his love for his family and his dedication to the city at his memorial service on Saturday at Community Church of Poway.

Emery, 74, died on March 3 after a long battle with cancer. He was elected to the first City Council in 1980 and served 28 years.

The service included a flag presentation to Suzanne Emery by the Sheriff’s Honor Guard and Emery’s daughter, Krysty Emery, and his grandson, Nyack Emery, giving a Buddhist reading, “On White Ashes (Hakkotsu no Gobunshø).”

Emery’s other daughter, Kathleen Emery, spoke about her father’s sense of adventure, his passion for Poway, his unending love for her mother and his sense of humor.

“He was one of the most patient people I knew. I never had a fight with my dad, or was grounded — by Dad,” she said during her memorial, which was met with laughter.

“My parents were always in love, so much that it grossed me out as a teenager,” Kathleen said, adding that after Emery retired, he and Suzanne made sure to spend every sunset together, even if it was by phone.

Sherry Freeborn, one of Emery’s coworkers from his time as a teacher at Hidden Valley Middle School in the Escondido Union School District, said she and Emery had been friends for 35 years. When she first came to work at the school, she said, she had been warned not to let Emery “hurt her feelings.” Instead, he invited her to sit with him during lunch. “(Emery said) come sit with us fun people,” Freeborn said. “... (Emery was) my dear friend, who never did hurt my feelings.”

John Stubbs, principal during Emery’s time at Hidden Valley, recalled Emery as a dedicated, passionate teacher and a great staff member.

“Bob had great, great ideas. What a staff member,” said Stubbs. When he asked Emery to teach science one year, not a subject he usually taught, Stubbs said Emery not only said yes, but took college science courses to refresh himself for the subject. “Bob was a blessing to that school,” Stubbs said. “... Godspeed Bob, and thanks for the good memories.”

Several other speakers recounted Emery’s work on the City Council and his dedication to developing Poway while retaining its city in the country feel.

Bruce Tarzy, another original Poway City Council member, said Emery had a sometimes gruff exterior, but he had principles and ethics, and wasn’t afraid to make where he stood on an issue known.

“Bob, through years of principled, dedicated service, made Poway a reality,” said Tarzy. “... he knew where to compromise and where to get the most for the City of Poway. ... It’s not hard to see how a principled school teacher became a giant of a man in Poway.”

Reverend Glen Larson, who led the service, encouraged everyone to share their memories of Emery. “Each time you share memories, Bob will come alive in the city he loved and served,” said Larson. “... Recognize that we are better people, live in a better community and live better lives because of Bob Emery.”