Emmett Joseph Meehan, 97, passed away peacefully of natural causes Jan. 5, 2013 in Mesa, Ariz. Emmett was preceded in death by his wife Inez and his second son Richard. He was born in 1915 the fifth of eight children to Irish emigrant parents in Mandan, N.D. He outlived all of his siblings. His father was a railroad telegrapher and Emmett followed in his footsteps for 39 years working for the Northern Pacific and Burlington Northern railroads as a station agent/telegrapher during the depression through WWII and until he retired in the late 70’s. Most of his life and career were spent in Montana where he and Inez raised their four boys in a small town called Huntley near Billings. He attended Rocky Mountain College meeting and marrying Inez Johnson (1919-2004) and in 1954 earning a degree in Business. Earlier he had studied Law and Traffic management earning degrees for both. Following his retirement he and Inez travelled the world visi ting their sons along the way in Saudi Arabia, Australia, Alaska and Washington. After being abroad for a couple of years they returned to the states and eventually moved from Montana to Washington State to live close to two of their sons who were living on Whidbey Island.

Emmett and Inez loved dancing and took every opportunity to engage in that activity whenever it was possible. Emmett loved classical music and he and Inez annually joined friends in Jackson Hole Wyoming to hear great symphonies played there during the summer. In 2005, a year after Inez passed away, Emmett moved to Mesa Arizona to enjoy the warmth of the southern climate. There he continued dancing until aged 95 when his legs started to bother him. He was loved by all who surrounded him and was one of the easiest people to meet and enjoy. He was a longtime member of the brotherhood of the Masons in Billings.

Emmett is survived by three sons: Robert, of Istanbul, Turkey; Donald, of Coupeville; Dennis, of Sydney, Australia; seven daughters-in-law: Pat Goffena, Kristina Meehan, Donna Meehan, Kathy Hill Meehan, Alice Skiff, Robyn Meehan, Connie Meehan and Linda Kast Meehan; seven grandchildren: Jason

Meehan, Rebecca Meehan, Nathan Meehan, Kim Ross, Tonya Meehan-Corsi, Karen Fuller, Christopher Meehan, and 7 Great Grand Children.

Emmett’s passing ends his generation. He was preceded in death by his brothers Charles, Harry and Forrest and his sisters, Margaret, Bernice, Virginia and Doris.

Emmett’s ashes will be next to his beloved wife of 63 years in Fairview Montana. A memorial service has yet to be planned.