William Emmer – Bill as he was called by family and friends - peacefully left this world on January 15, 2015. Born in Ohio, on August 9, 1946, Bill lived an exciting life filled travel and culture.

As a youth, Bill would move to the Philippines graduating from Wagner High School with the Class of 1964. There Bill would achieve the highest scouting honor of Eagle Scout and continue to support the organization throughout his life.

Returning to the US in 1965 to enlist in the US Air Force, Bill honored our country with four years of wartime service. He was Honorably Discharged in 1969 at the rank of Staff Sargent. Never content to stop learning, Bill would subsequently earn his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science and then achieve a coveted Masters in the same study from Emery Riddle University.

His pledge of allegiance and service "to God & County" would extend from Scouting, and Military service into 42 years of Civil Service; retiring at the esteemed grade of GS13 in 2008.

Many of those years were spent in Tucson, AZ at Davis Monthan AFB and the legendary 'Bone Yard' of AMARC. As a Base Safety Officer and OSHA inspector, he would meet is loving wife Alberta Emmer.
After marrying Alberta in 1996, they resided in Tucson, AZ and Albuquerque, NM; finally settling on Camano Island as their home just 4 years ago. They enjoyed many, many, wonderful vacations together, tending to their beautiful yards, and raising several dogs whom they adopted as 'their' children together.

As he grew older, he was particularly proud of being a Grandpa and Great Grandpa. When he could no longer drive, he still spent time in the yard with his wife and dogs, and enjoyed visiting parks, zoos, local vista's: and of course his grandkids and their two dogs at the lake.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 18 years Alberta (Drnjevic) Emmer. He is also survived by his son Samuel Askew and wife Salli; as well as daughter Stacee' Askew. Bill also leaves behind his sister Sue Ann Jennings and brother Gary Morical. Bill has six special grandchildren Robin, Shelly, Hannah, Kyle, Biz, and Tommy. He will be missed too by his great grandchildren Vinny and Annalease. He also leaves many nieces, nephews and wonderful friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, much loved in-laws, and his beloved Kai, Katie, Queenie Kai, and Kobe.

Bill was such a kind and gentle soul. May he rest in peace.

"Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal."

Services will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Stanwood WA on Friday, January 30th, at 11am.

If you wish, remembrances may be made to:
Boy Scouts of America at http://www.scouting.org/Donate.aspx;
or
Camano Island Shelter Association at http://www.camanoanimalshelter.com/09_donate.html

Arrangements under the direction of Gilbertson Funeral Home, S