Donald “Don” Glen Emerson, age 94 of Fruitland, WA passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2026, at Hospice House in Spokane, WA in the presence of family.

Don was born on June 30th,1931 in Peach, WA to Glen and Rosine Emerson, the youngest sibling to George and Margit Emerson. He spent his educational years at Columbia School District, 206 in Hunters, WA. Despite challenges, through dedication and hard work, he graduated, and said fervently from then on, that the best day of his life was: “the day I graduated from High School!”

As a young man, Don served in the Navy Construction Battalion, better known as the Seabees, as a mechanic. He showed his uniquely talented side by mending clothes for fellow crew members and stitching on military patches. His hands were big and tough, but his heart was even bigger and oh so tender as he cared for others.

Don met his wife Salina while stationed on the island of Malta in 1956. Although neither could speak each other’s language, English or Maltese, their eyes met with what they always said was love at first sight. Two years later, they married, moved to Fruitland, WA and began their family, having 5 children, Joseph, Donnie, Maria, David, and Rose. He was a farmer and logger who never fully retired. At 94 he was still delivering firewood on his flatbed truck, always happy to visit with folks at every stop. All who spent time with Don felt his warmth and his giving nature, and his big laugh echoed in the canyons of each logging job he was contracted to complete.

His unique legacy inspired a Hollywood film, Dreamin’ Wild. Always up for a challenge, Don and Salina invested in their son’s musical talents. Don chuckled when he could say: “Not everyone has a movie about themselves when they’re still alive.” He got a kick out of that. He enjoyed music and sports and traveled to watch and support all his children as they performed, competed, and even coached.

Don was a decent man whom you could always count on to keep his word. He was full of stories with his vibrant memory. So fun to listen to him recall what he knew about life and creating things in his shop over the years.

As a devout Catholic, God was first in Don’s life. He worked six days a week, up early and home late, but always took Sunday to worship and rest, and prayed the Rosary every morning and every evening with his wife and kids. Throughout his life, “God Bless You” was one of his favorite phrases, and he always said people should say it more. He would also say “You either choose to serve God, or you choose not to. I choose to serve.” In his last days, Don received the benefits of Last Rights, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Communion and shared these words: “I love you. God is Love. The Holy Spirit is Love. We must Forgive. I want to go to Heaven.”

Don is proceeded in death by his parents, Glen and Rosine, and his siblings George and Margit. He is survived by his wife of 68 years Salina, their 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren. A Viewing and Rosary will be held on Wednesday June 17th at 6:00 PM at Immaculate Conception Church in Davenport, WA. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday June 18th at 11:00 AM also at Immaculate Conception with a Committal and Burial to follow that day at Enterprise Cemetery in Fruitland, WA. A Celebration of Life with memory sharing and a potluck is scheduled for Saturday June 27th, 2026, at 11:00 AM at The Barn in Fruitland, WA.