Rodney Ems
Rodney Ems was born and raised in Southern California. In 1978 he moved to Durango, CO with his wife Joan and established a structural engineering firm. They built a beautiful life in the mountains, growing a successful business, having 2 daughters (Jessica and Colleen) and 5 grandchildren.
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. 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 in any way he could.
In 2021, Rod passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. While his death was a huge loss for the community, his legacy remains. Rod played many recreational sports but truly loved his time on the golf course with his father and many friends.
His fellow golfers remember him as a wonderful friend and a great guy to play golf with, commenting often on how he always wore a smile and loved to laugh. After Rod's passing, his friends originated the Rod Ems Memorial Championship (REMC) at Dalton Ranch Golf Club. In 2022, those who played in the 2022 REMC met afterward and decided to establish a scholarship in Rod's honor: The Rodney Ems Memorial Scholarship (REMS).
In late 2022, the group formed a committee to establish the scholarship and started the work of securing funding. The goal of the Rodney Ems Memorial Scholarship is to present scholarships of at least $1000 each to two graduating seniors from a Colorado high school in the Four Corners region. Recipients will need to demonstrate their love of the game of golf and how it has had an impact on their lives. In the spring of 2023, the first 4 scholarships were awarded.
If you have an interest in donating towards the scholarship, donations can be sent to:
Rodney Ems Memorial Scholarship
P.O. Box 137
Durango, CO 81302
***Donations to the 501(c)3 Rodney Ems Memorial Scholarship are tax deductible. EIN 99-138009***
