Eric William Emerson, 42
Eric William Emerson died unexpectedly of natural causes on Oct. 27, 2018, while in Rome, Italy.
Born to James Emerson and Dixie Beebe Emerson on Aug. 2, 1976, Eric graduated from Columbia Falls High School in 1994. He completed his undergraduate degree at Montana State University, Bozeman, and received his master’s degree in sociology from the University of Montana in Missoula.
Eric was employed by OOKLA and as sales director and enjoyed the opportunity to work in offices and service clients around the globe, including Ireland, Russia, China, Jordan and Norway to name a few.
Eric was beloved by everyone he met, including his family and friends, colleagues and strangers alike. Eric’s fun-loving spirit and sense of humor lit up the room and left everyone wanting for more. His positivity, kindness and generosity made him one of a kind and the world was a better place with him in it.
Eric enjoyed golf, fishing and hunting. He looked forward to his annual summer vacations on Flathead Lake as well as attending NFL games in stadiums nationwide.
Eric was a devoted husband to his wife, Melissa, and this past summer celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary with their kids, while whitewater rafting on the Poudre River, near their home in Loveland, Colorado. Eric’s pride and joy were his two children, Liv (10), and Chance (8). More than anything else, Eric loved to play golf with Chance and watch Liv’s big, warm personality shine on and off stage.
This past September, Eric, Liv and Chance joined Melissa on a voyage around the world, while Melissa served as assistant dean of students for Semester at Sea. In their final weeks together, the family created unforgettable memories, sailing from Germany to Spain, Ghana and South Africa.
Eric is also survived by his mother, Dixie Beebe Emerson; his sister Jodi (Emerson) Tombarge, husband Reed and two daughters Amanda and Alyssa, his brother Chad Emerson and son Logan; and many nieces and nephews. Donations in Eric’s memory may be made to Stand Up to Cancer.