"Derby" Lynton Durwood Emerson

"Derby" Lynton Durwood Emerson, 84, of Grand Forks, passed away Sunday, September 28, 2014, at his home. Derby was born 12/08/1929 in Devils Lake, ND, the son of Clarence and Anna Emerson. Derby grew up in Churchs Ferry, ND farming with his family and attending a one-room school at Chain Lake. His family moved to California and Michigan for a short time during the latter part of the Great Depression. They then returned to Grand Forks when he was a sophomore. He graduated from Central High School in 1948. He married Shirley Ann Zintel on 12/24/1950. They were devoted to each other in marriage for over 63 years until her passing on July 12 of this year. He received both a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in Education from the University of North Dakota. Derby served as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry during the Korean conflict stationed in the Territory of Alaska, as well as in the Reserves when returning to North Dakota in 1955. Derby worked for the Grand Forks School System his entire professional career. He began his 36 year career as a six grade teacher and physical education instructor at Winship Elementary advancing as the first principal of Ben Franklin Elementary in 1961. He then became the principal of Valley Junior High School in 1972 and retired in May 1992. He was inducted into the Grand Forks Teachers Hall of Fame in 2002. Throughout his life he worked several secondary jobs including farming, painting, truck delivery and officiating high school sports. Derby and his wife, Shirley, were long time active members of Calvary Lutheran Church. Derby was known throughout the state as an outstanding athlete. He was a starter and a letterman in both high school and college. He played on the state championship basketball teams in 1946 and 1947, and the state football championship team for Central High School of 1946. He was honored as co-captain. He played collegiate basketball for the University of North Dakota. He also played on a state American Legion baseball championship team. Throughout his adult life he continued to play in sports including softball and men's basketball leagues until retirement and continued into his senior years as an active golfer. He was inducted in the inaugural class of Grand Forks Central Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. He coached Babe Ruth little league and was a coach/ player in Alaska for a 3rd Division Semi-Pro Basketball League. He inspired his grandchildren with the value of sports. Tim played collegiate baseball and a Rockies farm team. Derby's granddaughters, Kristin and Nicole, were outstanding Division I Fast pitch softball players lettering all four years and serving as captains. Derby enjoyed fishing, cribbage and reading. He loved his Norwegian heritage and was known in the community for his Lefse making skills. He was a devoted husband and a great father and grandfather. Derby is survived by his sisters Ilene Wilderspin (of MI) and Maxine Anderson(of WY); his daughter and son-in-law Leigh Ann and Donald C. Hellem (of NY); daughter-in-law Mary Ann (Crouse) Emerson (of CO); grandchildren and spouses Kristin (Hellem) and James Joseph "Joe" Hughes (of TX); Timothy and Mindy (Martin) Emerson (of CO); Nicole (Hellem) and Greg Estes (of TX); April (Emerson) and Mike Welp (of CO); and eight great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Shirley; sister, Patricia Lou Emerson; brother, Casey Emerson and his son, John D. Emerson. **MEMORIALS CONTRIBUTIONS MAYBE SENT TO: Calvary Lutheran Church, the Grand Forks Foundation for Education or the University of North Dakota Athletics Program. MEMORIAL SERVICES: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2014 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks. VISITATION: One hour prior to the service at the church. INURNMENT: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND . A guestbook may be signed or viewed at www.amundsonfuneralhome.com