Michael Lynn Emmons June 13, 1941 - November 27, 2015

Michael Lynn Emmons passed away from a heart condition that unfortunately shadowed him in recent years. He was on a sunny afternoon walk around Lake Cascade in Orinda, California, with lifelong love and best friend, Gail Emmons.

For those who never met Mike, he can be summed up in two words: Humility and generosity. A prince in plain clothes, his view of the world filled many of us with the joy he felt every waking minute. With an insatiable thirst for knowledge, few could match his command for recalling historical events as if reading from a book. Fewer still could match a willingness to listen ... no matter how trivial the agenda. In his eyes, you were the only person in the room.

Mike's drive to give back and contribute benefited several boards. He made a lasting impact through key policy decisions and strategic direction for Black Butte Ranch, Mentor Corporation, and the Deschutes Land Trust. He was a strong supporter of Wagner Ranch Nature Area, Friends of Orinda Library, EFO Orinda Schools, Orinda Baseball, Lamorinda Water Polo, The Orinda Garden Club and The Presidio School in San Francisco.

Though he would never let on, Mike was an All-American for Albany High Football, and 1960 NCAA Champion at The University of Washington; graduating with B.A. and law degrees.

On June 14,1963, Mike married the love of his life for over 52 years, Gail Williams of Corvallis.

After earning a masters in tax law from NYU, he joined Arthur Andersen out of Portland in 1967. After his making partner in 1975, the family lived overseas twice during his 34-year career. Hong Kong became home 1974-1978, where Mike was president of the American Chamber of Commerce. He joined the Tokyo office 1990-1993. Living overseas had a lasting impact on daughters Lisa and April, fostering a shared passion for adventure travel.

Through retirement in July 2001, Mike worked in the San Francisco Bay Area. He formed an in-house worldwide tax organization for Andersen Consulting. His team helped construct a strategic plan to reorganize what emerged as the world's leading consulting firm: Accenture. Mike was among key executives to ring the bell on Wall Street July 2001 when Accenture, LLP listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Retirement followed, enjoying extensive travel with Gail and family. Mike and Gail visited over 75 countries and all seven continents.

Days in Orinda or their second home in Sisters were filled with family time, fly-fishing, photography, flying his Cirrus plane, hiking and golf. Mike fired a hole-in-one at Black Butte Ranch August 1, 2013!

A supportive and endlessly proud husband, Mike captured memorable moments photographing Gail's Ikebana floral exhibitions and demonstrations. Known as BaBa to his grandchildren, he never missed an opportunity to attend and document their many birthdays, performances, musicals, concerts, and sporting events.

Mike was born June 13, 1941, in Salem to C.S. and Mildred Emmons.

He is survived by brother Terence (and Victoria) Emmons and sister Karen Emmons.

Brothers David and Pat, Jr. are deceased.

Mike is also survived by his loving wife, Gail Williams Emmons; daughters Lisa Emmons Hallahan and April Emmons Asai; sons-in-law Jack Hallahan and Hiroki Asai; and six grandchildren: Patrick Hallahan, Helena Hallahan, Griffith Hallahan, Niko Asai, Kai Asai, and Masa Asai.

Donations can be made to the Deschutes Land Trust: deschuteslandtrust.org/michaelemmons.