Matthew Emerson, 47

Matthew Joseph Emerson quietly passed away in his home located in Huachuca City, Ariz., on Nov. 12, 2023.  He suffered from severe health issues during the last year of his life, finally succumbing to death by natural causes.

Matthew was born March 23, 1976, in Polson to Michael and Kathleen Emerson. He grew up and attended elementary school, middle school, and high school in the small town of Polson.  Matthew was involved in sports including soccer, baseball, football and wrestling at all grade levels while growing up. He was also involved in karate, Cub Scouts and 4-H. 

As a young adult, Matthew and his close friends enjoyed camping and hiking in the beautiful Mission Valley. They would often spend days hiking the outdoors spanning distances of over 20 miles from drop off to pick up point. 

Matthew attended college at both the University of Montana in Missoula and Western Montana College in Dillon.

Matthew worked many different jobs, including carpenter, long haul trucker, security officer, and night warehouseman. He completed many professional certificate programs including CDL, HAZMAT, and HVAC technician.   

Matthew was very proud of his home and four acres in Huachuca City. He was remodeling his house and had many projects planned to improve his property. Matthew enjoyed working on his tractor and backhoe. He was most proud of the new steel shop building erected on his property, which had three bays and was quickly being outfitted for wood working. 

Matthew was a gregarious man with a twinkle in his blue eyes and big smile for everyone. He was quick to laugh and enjoyed being around family and friends. Matthew had two dogs that kept things lively around his house. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Michael, and mother, Kathleen Emerson. Matthew is survived by three older siblings, sister Peggy Taylor of Gallup, N.M., and brothers Donald Emerson of Helena and John Emerson of Southern California.  He is also survived by three nieces and two nephews.

Matthew has many uncles, aunts, cousins, and close friends remaining in Montana, Idaho, and Arizona. Everyone he touched has a special memory or story about him.