Obit -- Alan J. Emery

Alan J. Emery, longtime Grand Island resident, passed away Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010, at the age of 78 after a long battle with cancer.

Emery grew up in Athol Springs, served in the Army as a radio operator in Korea, graduated from Wayne State University with a chemical engineering degree, and eventually moved to Grand Island in 1961 with his wife and family. Here, he was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church.

Retiring from Carborundum Specialty Graphite Products in 1992 allowed Emery to spend more time enjoying hobbies, which included golf, bowling, woodworking and playing bridge. He volunteered for many years at the Asbury Shalom Zone using his repairman and mechanical abilities wherever needed.

He also enjoyed nature, the outdoors and camping with his family, at first in tents and finally working up to an RV, which allowed him to enjoy warm winters in Florida and see many of God's wonders throughout the U.S. and Canada.

As a loving husband, Emery often said that his proudest accomplishment was celebrating the 50th anniversary of his wedding in 2009.

Alan leaves behind his wife, Jeanine Taylor Emery; his children, Julie (John) Erb, Jill Wahl and Scott (Laura) Emery; his grandchildren, Megan and Matthew Emery, Emily, Abigail and Madeline Erb, Amanda and Daniel Conrad; a sister, Suzanne (Frederick) Mimken; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Wednesday at the Kaiser Funeral Home.  A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 27, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2100 Whitehaven Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Hospice of Buffalo or Trinity United Methodist Church.