Obituary of Emmett Junior Smith

Emmett Smith was born on the 24th of March 1930, at Shelton Hospital in Shelton, Washington and passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on February 15, 2015. Emmett was preceded in death by his parents John and Florence Smith and survived by his sister Harriet Smith, his four boys John, Kris, Pat, and Tom Smith and daughters in law Mirka and Cecile Smith. Also grandchildren Rachael and Aaron Carlson, Kris and Jeanae Swoboda Smith, Tyler and Bethany Smith, Jordan Smith, Emmett and Esther Smith, Lindsey and Jake Davis, Sam Smith, Zane and Haley Smith and his great-grandchildren Taron and Kylie Carlson, Gavin and Kian Smith, Arianna Smith, Emmett Smith and another one on the way. Emmett was fondly known by his friends and family as EJ, Em, Smitty and by his great grandkids as "G.G. Papa" also known as, Great Grandpa. Emmett entered the Marymount Military Academy prior to starting his high school years at Irene S. Reed High School. While in high school he loved to play football, basketball and run track. He was an excellent athlete. At the age of 18, he volunteered to enlist in the United States Navy and became a Seabee, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He participated in football, basketball, track and sometimes boxing meeting many of his lifelong friends. After the Navy, he enrolled at the University of Washington on a football scholarship. It was there, at the age of 21, he met his wife to be, Rosemary Ann "Kessie" Kesterson. Emmett and Kessie decided that rather than finish their schooling it was time to start a family. Emmett joined the Washington State Patrol and was a trooper for 12 years. One night, while investigating an accident, he was injured and was unable to continue as a line trooper which disappointed him tremendously. His family believes that his years with the Washington State Patrol were the ones he enjoyed the most. He kept his commission current but was never able to get "back on the road" as a result of his injury. Emmett decided to join the Department of Labor and Industries as a safety instructor and worked there until he retired as the Director of Safety/Education Division. Most of all, Emmett loved and enjoyed his family. He coached all of his sons in whatever sports they participated in whether it was football or baseball and was a constant advisor to them in wrestling; a sport he had never participated in. However, that did not stop him from imparting words of wisdom to share with his boys and their friends. Emmett and Kessie spent their latter years traveling to places they had always wanted to visit which included Seabees reunions, family reunions, weddings and family gatherings. They traveled most of the state of Washington and throughout the United States just to watch their children and grandchildren participate in their sporting events. Emmett also enjoyed hunting and fishing. Many trips were made with family members and friends....many stories were told around the campfire...each bigger and better as the years progressed. He was a great story teller. He always put his family first. He was fortunate to have a great love in his life in Kessie Towards the end of Emmett's life he renewed a friendship with Carol Wamburgh. Carol was there for him and we are all thankful. Emmett told us all that he was happy with his life and ready for his walk with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A memorial celebration service is planned on February 27th at 11:00 AM at Evergreen Community Church in Olympia. A light lunch will immediately follow Evergreen Christian Community 1000 Black Lake Boulevard Olympia, Wa 98502 360.352.3410 --