Donald Wheeling Emerick Jr.

Don was born September 27, 1942, in Seattle, WA, to Don Emerick Sr. and Vyonne Teed (Teedie) Emerick. He spent the majority of his life in Yakima, WA. Don attended his early school years in Naches and graduated from Eisenhower High School in Yakima in 1960. He was involved in the band, grew to be a big skier and developed a keen interest in aviation and the military.

Don attended the University of Washington, graduating in 1964 with a Business degree and was a proud member of ROTC and Alpha Delta Phi Fraternity. Don was an only child, so his fraternity brothers became his true brothers for life. In later adulthood, he enjoyed many summer Alpha Delt reunions at Hood Canal and deeply cherished his fraternity friendships.

Don entered the United States Air Force in 1964 as a Second Lieutenant and attended Navigator School in Waco, TX. Don proudly served his country for five years of active duty around the world, as a Navigator on the KC-135 refueling tanker and later in the Air Force Reserve. He retired from the Reserve in 1987 as a Lieutenant Colonel. His Air Force colleagues and squadron also became his second family and his years of service to our country were the most profound, proud memories of his entire life.

Don returned from active duty military service and joined his father in the insurance business at Colvin, Van Amburg & Emerick in Yakima. He initially focused on aviation insurance, then his expertise grew into 45 accomplished years of consulting and insuring a wide variety of commercial insurance business ventures. He retired as President and Co-Owner of Conover Insurance, Inc. of Yakima, Pasco and Bellevue. Don had many beloved employees and industry colleagues with whom he shared his wise, calm demeanor and eloquent combination of insurance contract knowledge, relationship principles and integrity.

Don met his wife of 55 years, Gwen Miller, in Yakima and they have three children and three grandchildren. Don was a heartfelt, dedicated father to Katie, Andy and Molly and although heartbroken with his passing, they are so thankful for all the years of laughs, lessons and “preaching by the Rev”. Don was so very proud of his family.

Don earned his fixed-wing airplane pilot ratings after active duty and owned a number of single engine private planes. Flying was always his passion and biggest joy. His second and third loves were boating and skiing. Don and Gwen spent many summers enjoying their boat in the San Juan Islands, as he did with his folks and in-laws. Don was an avid skier at White Pass and often discussed fond memories of his favorite run, Cascade. While his kids were growing up, he was very involved with the Yakima Ski Club and White Pass Ski Academy, with many dear friends and fun times.

Don was very active in the Greater Yakima Chamber of Commerce and its aviation committee, first chairman of the Airport Advisory Committee, Yakima County Visitors and Convention Bureau board, American Red Cross board, United Way and the Downtown Yakima Rotary Club. Don was so thankful for all his many strong friendships throughout his insurance career and life in the Yakima Valley and beyond.

Don is survived by his devoted, loving wife and caregiver, Gwen; three children: Katie Emerick Robinson (Mike), Andy Emerick (Cate) and Molly Emerick (Frank Evans) and three beloved grandchildren: Drew Emerick (17), Elyse Emerick (13) and Gordy Robinson (8). Don was preceded in death by his father, Don Emerick Sr. and mother, Teedie Emerick Hornby. Sincere thanks and gratitude to all the caregivers, staff and friends at Rockwood at Whitworth in Spokane for the wonderful care and support Don received.

A Celebration of Life memorial event with military honors will be hosted by Don’s family on July 31st from 2:00-5:00pm at Kalispel Golf and Country Club in Spokane, WA. Everyone who knew and loved Don is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider charitable donations, in Don’s name, to the Wounded Warrior Project.