Emerson Lyle Smith

Emerson was born November 2, 1920 in Fabiola Hospital in Oakland, CA. His father was Lloyd Emerson Smith and his mother Christina Nielsen Smith. He had a sister Altha Kristen Smith, later Altha Branning. His father owned a butcher shop where Emerson worked till he left home at 22.

He went to LongFellow Grammer School, Herbert Hoover JR. High, Oakland Technical High School and Graduated from U.C. Berkeley College in Forestry in 1942. In all his schooling, he was very active in music. He sang parts in three Gilbert and Sullivan musicals and was a member of the Boys Glee. He continued to sing in his Church Choir till his voice could no longer perform. While attending College, Emerson worked as a Fire Fighter for the California Division of Forestry. He was injured in a fire truck accident that left his arm and hand in a crippling condition. In 1943, he enlisted in the service after his best friend was shot down on a mission over Italy. He was classified 4F due to the condition of his hand. Emerson was very patriotic.

While a senior at Cal-Berkeley, he was head hunted by Caldor Lumber Company and was hired immediately after graduating. He later worked at Stockton Box Company in Foreshill, CA. He ran boundry lines, reconnasance on logging roads, and cruised timber. All of the time enjoying work out of doors. It became his life.

Emerson had two boys, Bruce and Lloyd and after his divorce, met Marriette Hill, a widow who also had two boys, Randy and Ray. They married in 1957 at the First Baptist Church of Auburn and where both active members for over 60 years. They were deeply invested in their faith. They loved everything musical and theater was a passion. They were very social!

Emerson is preceeded in death by sons, Ray and Lloyd and his Wife of 55 years, Marriette. He leaves sons, Bruce and Randy, Nephew, Mike Branning, 8 Grandchildren. He also left behind a 60 year legacy as one of Placer and El Dorado counties notable Land Surveyors.

A Celebration of Emerson’s life will be held October 7, at 2 PM. At the First Baptist Church of Auburn.