Jon Thomas Emerick
January 27, 1956 - May 23, 2019
Obituary
Jon Thomas Emerick was born January 27, 1956 to Arthur Emerick and Patricia Dorgan in Seattle, Washington. Jon is survived by his wife Theresa and their four children, Briana Hardy of Covington, Washington; Lindsay of Spokane; Michael and Lauren of Snohomish; his brother Dave and sister-in-law Sally of Issaquah; and his grandchildren Maddi and Will. Jon is alsosurvived by his sisters Cindy, Suzie, and his brother Shawn. Jon is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Susan, and his brother Tracy.
Jon grew up in the Seattle area. Jon’s family moved on several different occasions and he also attended various schools primarily in the Roosevelt area. Jon graduated from Roosevelt High School. He began to work early in his life as a paperboy and worked that job until he was 14 years of age. Jon then worked at Daly’s Drive-In on Eastlake Avenue East. After that job, he managed the Eastlake Chevron and Chuck’s Super Service at North 59 Street and Phinney Avenue North. Jon was a fantastic mechanic. Jon had a passion for classic cars. His first vehicle was a 1955 Oldsmobile Holiday 88, a “big ugly tank with a steering wheel the size of a bus”. He sold that car, then missed it so much that he bought it back for more than he had sold it.
Jon became a Seattle Police officer on December 3, 1979, earning the job he had dreamed about for as long as he could remember. On April 1, 1983, he began his 22 year tenure in the Canine Unit. His K9 partners included Tali,Chip, Chas, Adam and Deiter. Jon and Deiter made a stellar team and received awards for their work together. A fellow Canine officer was mystified as to how Jon was able to work in the unit and keep his car and uniform so clean, he remarked of Jon, “I swear his dogs didn’t shed and their hair just did not stick to his uniform”. Jon loved a clean organized patrol car and a sharp uniform. Jon cherished his assignment in the K9 Unit where he worked as a handler and as a trainer. He was extremely proud to have served as Seattle Police officer for over 39 years.
Jon’s wife Theresa and his family, above all else, was nearest and dearest to his heart. Jon and Theresa married in 1999 and loved working on their garden and enjoying everyday activities with their children. Jon loved his time at Blue Lake with Briana. Jon was so proud of Lindsay when she participated in the 100 mile bicycle ride to raise money for lung cancer research in his honor. Jon loved watching Michael play baseball and having Lauren entertain him with her quick wit. Jon loved talking to and holding babies, and they loved him back. He loved animals also. His favorite animal was a dog.
Jon fought a hard battle against cancer for a couple of years. Then cancer finally took over his life while he was surrounded by his family. His family learned what it meant to ‘fight’ and also learned about the fragility of life. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.
Please donate to Jon’s daughter’s team, Strong4Jon, in lieu of flowers. Donations may be made to the American Lung Association/LUNG Force Walk – Team Strong4Jon to support research innovation that will lead to early detection and treatment of lung cancer.
https://action.lung.org/site/TR/LUNGFORCE/ALAMP_Mountain_Pacific?team_id=150330&pg=team&fr_id=18021
Briana & Lindsay,
Nothing can take away the pain you feel but know that we love you & cherish the years we had as neighbors and friends with you and your mom & dad.
Jon and I forged a relationship that I treasured to this day, working in the K9 unit. So many memories with him, such a great human being.
While we are sad here on earth, the Good Lord has gotten a kind heart, good natured angel, that I hope will continue to look over his family and kids providing them the strength to carry on as Jon would want.