John Richard Emery

May 7, 2016, North York, Ontario. Born 1940 in British Guiana, son of Roy William Emery (deceased) and Ruth Isobel (Jackson) Emery. Survived by his beloved wife, Nina (Indich) Emery; sons James (Julie Han Emery), and Robert Emery; and grandson Jayden; as well as by his mother, Ruth; brother Alan Emery (Frances); and sister, Nancy Geisler (Hans).

The family returned to Canada while John was still very young. Growing up, he was always inventive and mechanically inclined, from fixing toasters to devising jet model airplanes for in-air combat on strings. As a thirteen-year-old, he developed a working aqualung using an airplane oxygen-demand regulator, surplus nitrogen tanks, and high-pressure steam fittings. Within two years he’d developed a self-regulating camera case with its own aqualung. It was natural that he would follow in his father’s footsteps to become a professional engineer.

During his engineering studies at the University of Toronto he met Nina, another engineering student. They married and began an adventurous and fulfilling life together, raising their two sons, both of whom have themselves become engineers with a modern, digital flair.

John’s engineering degree thesis was on pulp moulding. After graduation he joined his dad’s company, and pulp moulding became the company’s prime focus. Once John took over, he worked with his team to build the pulp-moulding business and to develop the Emery pulp moulding machines to become the world standard for excellence, efficiency, and productivity.

John was devoted to Nina and their two boys, taking time to enjoy family holidays, teaching the kids how to SCUBA dive and water ski, and to develop skills as archers, mechanics, and carpenters.

Travel was a heavy commitment for the entire family, and in the early years he often took the family with him to many exotic work locations.

Running one’s own business is a no-down-time affair and often a bit scary, but John was calm in the economic storms that they weathered. In his later years, though slowing down, he still identified with the business until he retired. During his long illness he was cared for by Nina’s steadfast support along with many devoted helpers.

A visitation will be held at the R.S. Kane Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street, Toronto, on Thursday, May 12, 2016 from 6 PM to 8 PM. A private family funeral service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Parkinson Canada in John’s name would be appreciated.