April 7, 1949-October 17, 2025
Stephen (Steve) Emmes loving husband, loyal son, talented artist, woodworker and active community member died at his home in Olga on Orcas Island. Steve is survived by his wife, Lynn Marie Emmes, brother Ken, and children Emery and Merry.
Born in Pasadena California, Steve was the oldest of two sons born to Ina Mae (Scottie) and Emery Emmes. Steve’s father, Emery, was a High School wood working teacher and his mother a Registered Nurse. Emery was an influential model for Steve and taught him basic wood-working skills. Steve took these skills to new heights in an extraordinary career as a wood artist and sculptor of furniture, cabinetry, toys, lamps and other practical but beautiful wooden items.
Steve moved to Arcata, California in 1966 to attend Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt). He met fellow student Helen Weatherall and they married in 1978 and had two children, Emery and Merry. Emery lives in Arcata, CA and Merry lives in NE Washington State.
Steve completed a bachelor’s degree from HSU majoring in psychology but was never destined to be a psychologist. After graduation he worked as a truck driver, handy man and contractor before opening a wood shop to begin his wood working career.
During the early 1980’s, Steve met two men who became his lifelong friends and “brothers”, Dave Hitchcock and Tom Lewis, and they supported each other in many ways over the years.
Steve’s strong parental/family commitment was demonstrated in 1991 when Merry was diagnosed with leukemia at age 16. Although, divorced, Helen and Steve shared their support cooperatively of Merry by living part time in San Francisco for months while her disease was being aggressively treated. Merry survived but was permanently affected by the strong chemotherapy medications and Steve and Helen steadfastly continued their support of her.
In 2003 Steve met his new wife to be as they were discussing a business matter in Eureka California. Steve was a contractor/cabinet maker at that time and Lynn was the manager of the Jo Ann Fabrics store in Eureka. Their romance was sealed a few years later when they were married in Steve’s shop, a converted barn.
In 2006 Steve and Lynn demonstrated their commitment and loyalty to family by moving to Orcas Island and becoming full time caregivers for Steve’s parents. Living in a small house with two aged elders in a new community was a challenge. Steve began work right away at the Island Hardware store to earn money to build a large wood shop on his parents property. He completed 95% of the 2500 square foot building by himself. Lynn worked at a rental business in East Sound. Lynn was loyal and supported Steve during this big transition. Both were compassionate caregivers until the deaths of Scottie in 2008 and Emery in 2013.
In their new home Steve and Lynn soon became active community members and leaders. Steve was not only a talented wood artist but an experienced, enthusiastic sailor. Again he learned his sailing skills from his father, who built Steve a boat of his own when Steve was ten. Steve learned quickly and became a passionate lifelong sailor.
Steve served on the Board of the Wooden Boat Society and was a frequent participant in weekly sailing races in Westsound. Also Steve and Lynn joined the Orcas Island Yacht club, for which Steve’s father had served as Commodore.
After the death of Steve’s parents, Lynn and Steve became more active in Olga, a nearby hamlet. Over time, Steve became President of the Olga Community Center, serving the Center for many years. Steve was juried into the Orcas Island Art Works, being only one of 38 artists.
Olga Days, celebrated annually in July, has been the main community/cultural event for this special coastal hamlet, and the event is also a fund raiser for the Olga Community Center. Steve and Lynn have been the principal organizers of Olga Days for many years. Without their energy, leadership and efforts Olga Days would probably not happen.
Stephen (Steve) Emmes, artist, loving and committed husband and father, brother/friend, cabinet maker, kind, generous, loyal hardworking man, you are and will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace knowing you have lived well and are loved by many.
