Gary Kent Emerson, 90

Gary Emerson passed away April 3, 2025, at the Oregon Veterans Home in The Dalles, Ore. He was 90 years old. 

Gary was born June 4, 1934, along with his twin sister, Mary Lou, to Lloyd and Mary (Kiggins) Emerson in Naponee, Neb. When the twins were in grade school, the family moved to Caldwell, Idaho. Gary graduated from Caldwell High School in 1953. He entered the Navy after graduating and spent four years as a member of the Navy Seabees, stationed in San Diego, Calif., with deployments to the Eleuthera Islands and North Africa.

Gary married Carol Ann Toft in 1957, and together they had three children, Debra, Scott and Gordon “Jay." Gary worked on the Toft farm until 1962, when he joined the Idaho State Police and was stationed in King Hill, then Boise, where his family made lifelong friends. Gary was transferred to Coeur d’Alene in 1972, where his family enjoyed spending time in the many recreation opportunities that the North Idaho area provided. He also attended North Idaho College, where he obtained his associate's degree in law enforcement. Gary left the ISP in 1981. He and Carol returned to the Boise area in 1987 and later divorced.

Gary was an avid gardener; he raised gladiolas for many years for pleasure and as a business. After leaving the ISP, he worked in different agricultural settings.

He also worked as a private investigator, bus driver and bus supervisor at the Meridian School District, and spent a summer as a Campground Host in S.E. Idaho. Gary had many adventures, including traveling to New Zealand and rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon.

Gary loved people and their stories and had an abundance of friends. He had so many interests and hobbies over the years, which gave him knowledge about a huge variety of subjects. He was definitely our go-to for any plant/gardening questions. 

His last years were spent with his companion, Linda Clemens, in Goldendale, Wash., where they enjoyed gardening, raising chickens, and the pleasures of country living.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Paul and Ivan and his twin sister, Mary Lou King. He is survived by Linda Clemens of Goldendale, Wash., his daughter, Debra Emerson of Boise, and sons Scott Emerson of Nampa and Gordon “Jay” Emerson (Dolly) of Bellevue, Wash. He has six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Gary’s ashes will be interred at the Boise Veterans Cemetery. His family will gather afterward for a celebration of his life.