Rodney Ems

Rodney Martin Ems was born April 15, 1947 in San Bernardino, CA to Wesley and Eleanor Ems. He died August 24, 2021 in Durango, CO after a courageous battle with cancer. Rod graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in 1970 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He married Joan, the love of his life, in 1975, and together they moved to Durango in 1978 and established Rod's structural engineering firm. Rod was very active in the community, including being a long-standing member of the Kiwanis of the Narrow Gauge Club and serving on several review boards. He played many recreational sports, but truly loved his time on the golf course with his father and many friends.

Rod was a generous man with a quirky sense of humor. He was gentle, yet persistent. Rod treasured his family and friends and helped them any way he could. He handled his terminal illness diagnosis with positivity, dignity, faith and grace and his battle should be an inspiration to all of us. His final days were eased by the loving care provided by Susan of Hospice of Mercy and dear friends, Bob and Mary Ralph.

Rod is preceded in death by his father, Wesley. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Joan; daughters, Colleen (Robert) Carmon and Jessica (Natambu) Obleton; grandchildren; mother, Eleanor; sisters, Carolyne (Frank) Pons and Patricia (Bert) Berends; and nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Rodney at St. Columba Catholic Church on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 9AM. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Mercy, the Hillcrest Junior Golf Foundation or Elevated Golf Academy to foster the love of golf.