Emery Johnson

Emery Joseph Johnson, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2024, at the age of 89 in Missoula, Montana. Emery was born on August 14, 1935, in Missoula, Montana. He lived a fulfilling life in Montana including: St. Ignatius, Missoula, Columbia Falls, Helena, Conrad, Great Falls, Havre and Seeley Lake. He wore many hats from farmer to teacher to business owner to college professor to land developer.

Emery was preceded in death by his loving parents, Emma, Florence, Ernest, and Daddy Bill, as well as his 12 dear siblings and two beloved sons, Joe and Jay, granddaughter Heather and son-in-law Kyle (Teresa). He is survived by his baby sister Lisa, his cherished wife Lorraine, and his loving daughters Debora Earl (Gordie), Teresa Victor, Patricia Smith (Mike) and Annette Johnson (Steve). He is also missed by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren and wonderful in-laws and friends. 

A dedicated scholar, Emery earned a Bachelor's degree in Education to teach Math and Science and went on to achieve a Master's degree in Mathematics, largely through a grant due to NASA’s race to the moon. He went on to work for IBM and then started his own business (Emery Computers) selling Apple computers. His business was honored to get computer systems into the Great Falls school district in the 70’s and 80’s. He later expanded Emery Computers to open stores in Helena, Billings, Kalispell and Missoula along with support centers in 7 smaller Montana towns. Another one of his businesses, Acro Duty Free, sold duty free liquor and cigarettes to people traveling to Canada at the Sweetgrass and Roseville ports of entry. He also sold duty free items at his wife’s airport gift shop in Great Falls which was very busy with the newly built airport and the rise of international travel in the 70’s. Emery was also an avid member of the Lion’s Club for decades. 

Early in his career he taught part time at the College of Great Falls. After closing Emery Computers in 1987, he went back to teaching math at Northern Montana College in Havre for 5 years. He "retired” and then went full circle to move back to western Montana, living in Seeley Lake and developing and subdividing property. He had a business in Seeley as well (Montana Vacations) where he did some outfitting and snowmobile rentals. But beyond his professional accomplishments and unwavering work ethic, Emery will be remembered for the special traits that made him truly one-of-a-kind. His kindness, his quick wit, and his genuine compassion touched the hearts of all who knew him. He had a knack for making others feel valued and appreciated, spreading joy wherever he went.

Travels included Jamaica and Israel as well as the USA, Canada and Mexico. Emery and his wife were part of a group called The Friendship Force International where they were honored to host families from Japan and Germany and they were graciously hosted when they traveled to England and Japan. Emery had a very active outdoor life as well: hunting, snow skiing, water skiing, fishing, rafting, scuba diving, snowmobiling, hiking - trips into the Bob Marshall on his horses were his passion. He even rock climbed, bungee jumped and skydived! This wonderful man lived a long and very fulfilling life! His dedication to service, family, God and his warm-hearted nature endeared him to many.

As we mourn the loss of a remarkable individual, let us also cherish the memories of the wonderful moments shared with Emery. May his legacy of love and kindness continue to inspire us all for years to come. Rest in peace, Emery Joseph Johnson, your spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were lucky enough to know you.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers at Auberge Assisted Living and Partners Home Health Care and Hospice for all the love and support they gave us and our dad. Emery's life will be celebrated at a service held at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at 2pm.