Emmit R. Aston Jr.

Emmit R. Aston

Emmit R. Aston Jr. 86, passed away at his home of congestive heart failure on September 2, 2022. He was comforted and surrounded by his loving, devoted family.
He was born on May 30, 1936 in Omak, Washington to Emmit R. Sr. and Lela Aston. He attended Omak High School. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America, very active in athletics, played the trombone in band, ASB President and graduated in 1954. Emmit enrolled in the University of Washington in 1954. He was accepted into the School of Pharmacy and graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Pharmacy in 1959.
He married Bonnie B. Cederblom of Omak in 1957 and they began a family. In May of 1960, they made beautiful Lake Chelan Washington their home, where they raised 3 daughters.
Emmit started his pharmacy career in Shelton, Washington but the couple wanted to be closer to home. He began working at Green’s Drug in Chelan. He wanted to own his own business. They purchased Kier Drug in Chelan May, 1967 and changed the name to Aston Drug Center. It was a family operated business, with Bonnie at his side.
In 1974, they wanted to expand the pharmacy business and purchased the Kline’s Variety Store building next to the Ruby Theater. The pharmacy was moved into this larger building after an extensive remodel. Today, you can see the words “Variety & Dry Goods” on the outside of the building. When the family retired, they gave the large pharmacy safe to Stormy Mountain Brewery who occupies half of the Aston’s original building. The pharmacy safe is still on display today in the brewery.
Through the years, Emmit and Bonnie were active in the community. Emmit was a Boy Scout Leader, member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and Police Auxiliary. He was past president and very active in the Chelan Rustlers. Emmit was a Chelan City Council Member. He was instrumental in getting the beautification project complete of the down town 100 and 200 block area on Woodin Avenue. This project improved the sidewalks, streets, lighting and infrastructure of Chelan to make it the historic, beautiful town that it is today. Emmit was a founding member of the Chelan Sign Committee, which ushered in a cohesive look to Chelan Valley Businesses. He sat on the City of Chelan and the Chelan County Urban Growth Committee. After working long days at their pharmacy, Emmit drove to Wenatchee to lend his knowledge. Lake Chelan Valley’s beauty can be attributed to the volunteerism Emmit participated in.
Emmit was the longest-standing member of the Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation and a valued member of the local healthcare community. His dedication to the foundation started in 1991. He enjoyed serving on the board and giving back to the community. Emmit got to see his long time dream of building a new hospital come true. The Board and Hospital staff gave him a personal tour of the new hospital in June prior it’s completion. His family states this was one of the happiest days in his life and they are very thankful to all who made this dream come true.
Emmit and Bonnie enjoyed their ranch outside of Chelan with the 3 daughters. Emmit loved caring for the land, being outdoors, raising horses and various animals. Emmit also was an avid elk hunter. His last elk taken was a huge 6 point, which was on display at the pharmacy and became quite a conversation piece. Emmit enjoyed talking to visitors about his elk hunting trips.
Emmit retired and they sold the pharmacy in June 1991. The business was converted to Aston’s Gifts Cards Etc. where Bonnie enjoyed working until 2010. Emmit thrived in his second career as a Real Estate Agent. He also did pharmacy relief work to community pharmacies in North Central Washington.
Emmit was an avid University of Washington fan and enjoyed attending the Husky Football games, which was a life’s dream. He was an alumni member and attended the Rose Bowl game 4 times. Emmit’s wardrobe consisted mainly of purple and gold. He always wore the college colors proudly!
He is survived by his wife of 65 years Bonnie, daughters Cindy Aston Coonfield, Laura Ruess, Michele Aston Lockrem, 3 grandchildren Laurel Williams, Emmit Ruess, Conrad Ruess, and two great- grandchildren, Ivy Williams and Stetson Williams.
The family is very greatfull for the tender care he received from Tina Jack, employed by Care Med Chelan. Tina was at Emmit’s side for months and the family could not have cared for him at home without her! Also, thank you to the professional, caring staff at Value Plus and Confluence Home Health and Hospice both of Wenatchee.
Emmit’s Celebration of Life will be held October 22, 2022 at 2 p.m., located at North Shore Bible Church, 123 Wapato Point Pkwy., Manson, Washington. You are invited to dress casual and wear your favorite sports team colors.
Please visit Emmit’s online memorial page at www.heritagememorialchapel.com. This is a nice place to share memories with the family.
His Celebration of Life Service will be available to view after the fact on the FaceBook page of Northshore Bible Church.
In lieu of flowers, gifts, Emmit requested contributions be made to Lake Chelan Health and Wellness Foundation P.O. Box 1911 Chelan WA. 98816. For electronic contributions go to their web site at: lchealthwellness.com.