Robert Nathan Emmich

Published 11:14 am Thursday, June 26, 2014

Robert Nathan Emmich, 82, died June 23, 2014.

Bob was born Nov. 16, 1931, in Monroe La., and raised in Vicksburg, the son of Maurice Brown Emmich and Ethel Reims Emmich.

He graduated from Carr Central High School in Vicksburg and attended Ole Miss. He later graduated from college in Colorado and attended the Air Force Intelligence Officer School. He married Margaret Ann Grundfest, and during their military travels their first child was born in Pittsburgh.

Establishing themselves in Vicksburg, Bob joined his father at Emmich Home Financing Co., and in 1956 they purchased Weill Insurance to become Emmich Insurance, an independent agency specializing in property and casualty coverage. In 1969, Bob worked with architect “Skippy” Tuminello in building the Anshe Chesed Synogogue in Vicksburg.

Bob was a runner for nearly 40 years, beginning in 1968. He retired to Oregon in 1984 to add hiking, biking, and skiing, and a little mountaineering to his running activities. He enjoyed travel in the U.S., Canada and Europe.

Bob is survived by his second wife, Naomi Ratcliff Prouse. His parents, an infant brother, and a dearly loved sister, Susan Ames, predeceased him.

He is survived by his children and stepsons, Ellen Emmich of Ridgeland, Robert Emmich Jr. (Carey) of Canton, Katherine Friedman of Dallas, Gayle Emmich of Portland Ore., Craig Prouse (Audrey) of Mountain View Calif., and Gary Prouse of Beaverton Ore.; grandchildren include Brooke and Sarah Emmich, Mory and Shelby Friedman, and McKenzie Prouse; his brother, Bill (Dauna) Emmich of Baton Rouge La., and brother-in-law, Red Ames of Fleming Island Fla.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2014 at Riles Funeral Home, with 11 a.m. graveside services at Anshe Chesed cemetery.

The family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to your favorite charity, or to Bob’s, Oregon Adaptive Sports http://oregonadaptivesports.org/

Holman Funeral Home in Portland, Ore., and Riles Funeral Home in Vicksburg are handling arrangements.