April 7, 1949 – October 17, 2025

Stephen (Steve) Emmes loving husband, loyal son, committed father, a talented artist , woodworker and active community member died at his home in Olga,Washington on Orcas Island. Steve is survived by his wife, Lynn 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. Ken is Steve’s younger brother. Emery was a High School Wood Working teacher and his mother a Registered Nurse. Emery was a strong influential model for Steve. At Emery’s elbow Steve learned 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 useful/practical but beautiful wooden items.

Stephen moved to Arcata, California in 1966 to attend Humboldt State University (HSU) (now Cal Poly Humboldt). Through mutual friends he met a fellow student Helen Weatherall . A few years later Steve and Helen married and had two children, a son Emery and a daughter Merry. Emery lives in Arcata, CA and Merry lives in NE Washington State.

Steve completed a bachelor’s degree from HSU majoring in psychology. However Steve was never destined to be a psychologist. After graduation he labored as a truck driver, handy man and contractor before opening a wood shop to begin his wood working career.

During the early 1980’s Stephen met two men that became his life long 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 2001 when Merry was diagnosed with pediatric leukemia at age 19. Although divorced, Helen and Steve shared their support cooperatively of Merry by living part time in SanFrancisco 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. Steve and Lynn went to lunch to discuss a contract for Steve to make lay-out drawings of the store. Who will ever know what else was actually discussed other than the obvious attraction for each other and the beginning of their dating. A few years later (2005) their romance was sealed when they were married in Steve’s shop, a converted barn.

A few months later 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. This was no easy move , 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 and 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. They 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 Emery who built Steve a boat of his own when Steve was ten. Steve learned quickly and became a passionate lifetime sailor.

Stephen and Lynn joined the Orcas Island Yacht club for which Steve’s father had served as Commodore. Stephen served on the Board of the Wooden Boat Society and was a frequent participant in the weekly sailing race starting in West-Sound.

Lynn and Steve became more active in Olga after the death of Emery and Scotty. Stephen and Lynn joined the Olga Community Center. Both were active and served the Center for many years. Stephen, a natural leader, was selected as president serving in that capacity for years. Steve also was juried into the Olga Artworks Gallery for his impressive talent and skill. Islanders and tourists truly appreciated his creativity with wood.

Olga Days celebrated in July has been and is the main community/cultural event for this special small coastal hamlet. The event is also a fundraiser 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, 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 an extraordinary life and that you are loved.

There will be a celebration of life for Steve at the Olga Community Center on December 13th from 12 to 3 PM. Please bring finger food to share.

For info about a possible Humboldt County remembrance of Steve please contact his son Emery at: emeryemmes@gmail.com.