Stephen Howard Emmes
Born April 7, 1949, died October 17, 2025

Stephen (Steve) Emmes loving husband, loyal son, talented artist, woodworker and active community member died at his home in Olga on Orcas Island. Steve is survived by his wife, Lynn Emmes, brother Ken, and children Emery and Merry and his grandchildren Carter and Madeline Emmes.

Born in Pasadena, Steve was the oldest of two sons born to Ina Mae (Scottie) and Emery Emmes. Steve’s father, Emery, was a High School wood working teacher and his mother a Registered Nurse. Emery was an influential model for Steve and taught him 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 practical but beautiful wooden items.

Steve moved to Arcata in 1966 to attend Humboldt State University (now Cal Poly Humboldt). He met fellow student Helen Wetherell and they married in 1978 and had two children, Emery and Merry.

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

Steve’s strong parental/family commitment was demonstrated in 2001 when Merry was diagnosed with leukemia at age 19. Although, divorced, Helen and Steve shared their support cooperatively of Merry by living part time in San Francisco for months while her disease was being treated. Merry survived but was permanently affected by the chemotherapy medications.

In 2003 Steve met his new wife-to-be 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. Their romance was sealed a few years later when they were married in Steve’s shop, a converted barn.

In 2006 Steve and Lynn moved to Orcas Island and became full time caregivers for Steve’s parents. 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 be able 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. Both 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 wood worker but an experienced, enthusiastic sailor. He learned his sailing skills from his father. Steve learned quickly and became a passionate lifelong sailor. Steve served on the Board of the Wooden Boat Society and was a frequent participant in weekly sailing races in Westsound. Also Steve and Lynn joined the Orcas Island Yacht club, for which Steve’s father had served as Commodore.

After the death of Steve’s parents, Lynn and Steve became more active in Olga. Over time, Steve became President of the Olga Community Center, serving the Center for many years. Steve also became a member of Orcas Island Art Works, selling his functional creations there.

Olga Days, celebrated annually in July, has been the main community/cultural event for this coastal hamlet. This event is also a fund raiser for the Olga Community Center. Steve and Lynn have been the principal organizers of Olga Days for many years. Without their energy and leadership Olga Days would not be such a successful, popular island event Stephen (Steve) Emmes, artist, loving and 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 well and are loved by many.

There will be a celebration of life for Steve at Mad River Grange, 110 Hatchery Road , Blue Lake on January 31, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. Finger food and beverages will be served. His remains will stay in Humboldt County.

For info about the celebration of life contact his son Emery at emeryemmes@gmail.com or 707-502-6168.