Emmett Michael Sullivan, 74

Emmett Michael Sullivan, 74

Aug. 10, 1948 — Aug. 11, 2022

Emmett was born in Deer Lodge, Mont., to Gerald "Spike" F. Sullivan and Grace L. (Perkins) Sullivan. He graduated from Powell County High School and the University of Montana, Missoula, with a bachelor’s degree. He married the love of his life, Patricia "Patti" (Bell) Sullivan on Aug. 25, 1973, in Deer Lodge and celebrated 49 years of marriage together.

His time with the U.S. Marine Corps started on Feb. 19, 1968. He served his country in the Vietnam War and was first assigned to Charlie Company, First Battalion, Seventh Marines as a rifleman. Having fought fires in the summer of 1967 in Kooskia, Idaho, he had a government driver’s license and was later assigned as the company driver, driving the company commander and first sergeant. When his time was completed, he was assigned to the Montana inactive reserves and later received a letter containing a DD-215 awarding him a good-conduct medal. He was always proud to be a Marine and the work that he did as a Marine.

Community service and helping others were important to him as was demonstrated by the multiple number of clubs and organizations he belonged to. He was exceptionally active in the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3603, holding several positions including Commander and Quartermaster. Happily, he was a lifetime member of the United States Military Order of the Cooties for over 20 years, furthering the mission, good humor and fun. He held many positions, including Sr. Seam Squirrel, Seam Squirrel and Tightwad. Every year, he organized a “Turkey Shoot,” raising money for the Veterans home in Lewiston and providing 100-150 turkeys and hams to families during Thanksgiving. He was a Marine Corps League life member, a member of Shriners International that supports the Shriners Hospital for Children, and a member of the Rathdrum Masonic Lodge #41. He was an active member of the Elks Lodge #1254 — Elk of the Year in 2008, a life member and a continuous member for 38 years. He was also a lifetime member of the Hayden Eagles #4080.

He held a lengthy career as a mine inspector and educator at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). He was an active member of the AFI-CIO. He was a car enthusiast, woodworker, homemaker, architect, businessman and adventurer, owning a rental company, building homes on Sullivan Court and owning the Time Out Tavern and refurbishing it into Sully’s Pub.

Emmett was a great guy. He worked hard, always did the right thing and took care of everyone. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by wife Patti; son and daughter-in-law Michael "Mike" and Kristin Sullivan; daughter and son-in-law Micheal (Sullivan) and Helmut Perzi; and grandchildren Logan and Sophie Perzi.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814. A graveside with military honors will follow the mass at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 N. Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Emmett’s name to VFW Post 3603 Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1244, Post Falls, ID 83877 (208-960-4104). Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Emmett’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com