Laconia-----Michael James “Coach” Emond, Sr., 65, of 16 Valley Street, died at his home on Thursday, June 13, 2013.
Mike was born November 27, 1947 in Manchester, N.H., the son of Rachael Jean (Bleau) Emond. He attended eleven schools in his youth in southern New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He was always involved in many sports with football being his favorite sport which he excelled in. He went into the U. S. Navy during the Vietnam War and upon his discharge moved to Laconia where he married Rita Leroux and had four children. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church.
Mike was very involved in youth sports. In 1972, he was instrumental in starting Pop Warner Football in Laconia and was a charter member of the Lou Athanas Youth Basketball League. After coaching football and basketball, he remained a referee for many years until his health began to fail. In 2004, he was very proud to receive the Debra Bienarz Award.
Mike had been employed at Bonnette Page & Stone for a number of years. He also had been employed by the Laconia School District for fifteen years. He retired in 2003 due to his health.
Mike was a die-hard Notre Dame fan. He was a great chef and loved to cook for family and friends and also enjoyed camping, travelling and coaching. He enjoyed mentoring young people, giving him joy to be a role model for them. He was a dedicated family man, and a devoted friend to many others above all else and was a loving husband.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Beatrice H. (Marcoux) Lachance-Emond, of Laconia; sons, Ronald A. Emond and his wife, Leslie E. Emond, Richard L. Emond, Michael J. Emond, Jr. and his wife, Dawn L. Emond; step-son, Raymond P. Lachance, and his wife, Nancy B. Lachance; daughters, Charlene M. Little and Robert Little; step daughter, Rae A. Hann and her husband, Alan S. Hann, Jr.; ten grandchildren, Kayla Emond, Samantha Lachance, Ashley Little, Kendra Emond, Mark DeGara, Jr., Andrew Little, Cody Emond, Justin DeGara, Joshua Emond and Jonnie Sands; four great grandchildren; a brother, Richard Emond, and his wife, Gail Emond, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 5:00-8:00PM in the Carriage House of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 11:00AM at St. Andre Bessette Parish, Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Avenue, Laconia, N.H.
Burial will follow in the family lot in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Laconia, N.H.
For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Laconia High School Football Field, c/o Laconia School District, 39 Harvard Street, Laconia, NH 03246 or to Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia, N.H. 03246.
Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, N.H. is assisting the family with the arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial go to www.wilkinsonbeane.com.