Leonard Emett

Leonard Emett

82, of Libby

It was the day after Christmas, Dec. 26, 1933, in Great Falls, when Leonard Grant Emett made his appearance as the youngest child of Eldon and Pearl Emett. It was another cold, snowy and wintery day at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center in Libby, when he left us. Why the Lord chose his birthday, Dec. 26, 2015, to extinguish his earthly light, only He knows. When Leonard was born, he was nicknamed, Bub, Bubby or the Bubbins, and every day thereafter brightened his parents’ lives and the lives of his older siblings, Eldena, Kathryn, Daniel and Alton. The family moved to Butte a few years later where he received his education, graduating from high school in 1952. Leonard served two years in the U.S. Army. When returning to Butte, he was introduced to his wife, Bonnie Bache, by his best friend, Ronald Calvert and Bonnie’s cousin, Mary Lou Dalton. Leonard and Bonnie were married in 1961.  

While still newlyweds, Leonard’s unit was called into active service during the Berlin Crisis and Cuban Missile Crisis, under President John F. Kennedy. They made their way to Fort Lewis, Wash., in the blue and white 1956 Ford sedan, pulling their red and white 14-foot boat with the great big 75 hp. Evinrude motor. There wasn’t a motor or an engine he couldn’t repair, rebuild or maintain in like new condition. Boating was one of Leonard’s many passions. He enjoyed camping and boating with his family on beautiful Lake Pend Oreille.

Leonard and Bonnie’s first child, Guy Ray Emett, was born while they were stationed at Fort Lewis. Returning to Butte following his honorable discharge in 1962, he worked for Ambrose Distributing Trucking Company as a diesel mechanic. While still in the employ of Ambrose Distributing, Leonard transferred to Wendell, Idaho, and while there, welcomed Guy Ray’s baby sister, Sally Dee, to the family. After this, he and father-in-law, Raymond A. Bache, purchased a Garwood long boom crane, moved to Libby and formed a logging partnership. Then, in 1973, he began a job as log yard foreman for Roseburg Lumber Co., in Roseburg, Ore. By 1977, he came back to Libby to load logs for Bob Payne Logging, and later formed another trucking and logging partnership with his son, Guy, and son-in-law, Alan Beaulieu. Leonard was respected by his fellow woodsmen as a no nonsense, boss and father figure. His logging friends lovingly nick named him “Grumpy” as he rarely changed his facial expressions while on the job.

The years that followed brought into his life the births of three wonderful grandsons, Bradley, Christian and Jordan Beaulieu and two adored granddaughters, Sydney and Hailey Emett. Later, Guy’s marriage to Carissa has added four more darling grandchildren to his heart: Ella, Christine, Courtney and Colton. Most recently, his family welcomed two wonderful granddaughters-in-law, Sarah and Jessica and a precious great-granddaughter, Audrey Mireille. Leonard deeply loved his extended family, Ron and Mary Lou Calvert and family, his brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Dottie Sheffield and their families. 

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Pearl Emett; step mother Ann Emett; father-in-law Raymond Bache; mother-in-law Dorothy Bache; step mother-in-law Faith Bache and his siblings. He is survived by his wife Bonnie; son Guy (Carissa) and family; daughter Sally Beaulieu (Alan) and family and sister-in-law Roberta Emett as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Between the years of 1994 and 2004, Leonard and Bonnie shared the honor of pastoring Kootenai Chapel, Assembly of God Church in Troy. Leonard’s ability to manage the building, remodeling and other important chores gave Bonnie the freedom to serve in the pulpit in the most effective way.  He loved to say to folks; “I’m the pastor’s wife,” emitting a sly little grin as he said it.

Bonnie and Leonard were again a ministry team as Bonnie served the Libby Presbyterian Church as occasional interim pastor, and Leonard ministered the great songs of the faith with his magnificent voice while being accompanied by his lovely wife Bonnie on the piano. Together, their music expressed hope and encouragement and was cherished by many. His beautiful voice won’t be heard again until we all get to Heaven, and until then, we will go on singing.

Health issues of heart and lungs forced him to retire, and since that time, he stayed busy working on the vehicles, taking care of the yard and enjoying his growing family. Though his health was declining, his steadfast love and faithful support of his family never failed.

His strength and courage will leave an enormous, unfillable hole in the lives of all of family and friends. Until we meet again, dearest husband, father, grandfather and friend, rest in the peace of knowing you are safe in the arms of the Lord Jesus.  

Leonard’s family would like to thank the Libby Volunteer Ambulance Service, Doctors Rice and Maloney and the excellent ICU staff at Cabinet Peaks Medical Center for caring for Leonard during his final hours. Memorial donations may be made to the Libby Volunteer Ambulance Service at 307 Montana Ave., Libby, MT 59923.

A celebration of Leonard’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 31 at Libby Assembly of God Church, 105 Collins Ave. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg & Nelson Funeral Home in Libby. Online condolences and memories may be made at www.schnackenbergfh.com.