Russell Calvin Emerson Russell Calvin Emerson, known as Cal to his friends (and, when he had crossed the line, as Russell Calvin to Zoella, his wife of over 60 years) died on the 17th of November, 2008, in the company of family in Lakewood, Washington. The cause of death was myocardial infarction and pulmonary fibrosis after almost 86 years of sweet disposition and looking good. He will be missed. He was born the elder of two children to Elsie Roloff and Robert M. Emerson (a direct descendent, great grandson, of noted essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson) on December 4, 1922 in Erie, Pennsylvania. They moved cross country in his early school years to Aberdeen, Washington and subsequently to Seattle where he graduated from Queen Anne High School. In WWII he worked building B-17’s as part of the war effort and in 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, was admitted to OCS and then flight training. He piloted B-26’s in Korea and the 90th Bombardment Group of the 3rd Bomb Wing and after the war C-97’s across the Pacific Ocean. He served in Saigon, Vietnam, as the chief military advisor to the Vietnamese base commander of Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base, was awarded the Air Medal three times, the Legion of Merit, and the Distinguished Flying Cross, attended the War College in Montgomery, Alabama the year of the Freedom Rides. He had a small command in Europe in the early ‘60’s and was then posted to Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, where he served as chief of war plans for the Military Airlift Command. He retired a colonel in the regular Air Force after 30 years of distinguished service. Since retirement he has been active at Christ Church Episcopal Church in Tacoma and St. Mary’s Episcopal in Lakewood. Cal was as good a husband and father as one could ever want. His life was a class act noted for his work ethic, sense of fair play, and well developed humor which he passed to his progeny which includes five children, seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren, so far. Did we mention that he will be missed? The family’s heartfelt gratitude goes out to the medical staff at St. Clare Hospital in Lakewood for their compassionate care and to many loving friends, neighbors, and relatives who have been with Cal for his last journey. Memorial services will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (10630 Gravelly Lake Dr. SW), Lakewood, on Wednesday 26th November at 4pm. Pub Date: 11/22/2008 Tacoma News Tribune