In the spirit of the occasion and under sunny skies and COVID guidelines, family and friends got together to celebrate the much loved and renowned local celebrity-entertainer Tex Emery at his 90th Birthday Celebration. Although his actual birthday was Sept. 6th, the celebration took place at the Wakamow Oval in Moose Jaw on Aug. 29th with his wife Bonnie, five kids and eight grandchildren attending, as well as a very few friends to make up the limited attendance due to pandemic gathering restrictions. The food was catered by Charlotte’s Catering, and “amazing as always,” according to Bonnie.
On the weekend, Tex also had the opportunity to conquer his fear of the water and man a sailboat on Lake Diefenbaker, checking another one off his ‘bucket list.’ His wife’s account of the experience is as follows:
“Friend Ron Hunchuk of Moose Jaw sails out of Palliser - Rusty's Cove on Lake Diefenbaker and was the utmost in patience and explained how his sailboat operated, which made ‘Mr. Deathfully Afraid Of Water’ more comfortable.
“The first day we stayed tied to the pier with Tex standing behind the wheel.
“The next day our friend Penny McCune from Regina came along and off we went. Tex was shaking and kept saying, ‘why do people like this?’ But after some Cheezies and Ginger Ale, he actually took the wheel and sailed for over an hour! He even pulled an unexplained U turn! Another sailboat pulled up and wanted to 'talk to Tex about his life' in the middle of the lake.
“What a memorable way to start his 10th Decade!”
On all accounts, although Tex’s fame as a prolific steel guitar player is international, he is also greatly loved and appreciated within the community, throughout the province and across the country. With his charming demeanor and comedic ways, he has warmed his way into the hearts of those he meets, especially the ladies of all ages from the young to the young-at-heart 80+ who couldn’t wait to line up for a hug before the pandemic.
Although a very humble man, his fame as a steel guitarist has taken him through a wide genre of music throughout his lifelong career from country to jazz, blues, rock, Hawaiian, to even working with a symphony orchestra. With a God-given talent and self-taught, he began playing professionally with Canada’s Cowboy Troubadour Stu Davis and then had the opportunity to play with country legend Hank Snow performing for King George during his visit to Canada. The following year, Tex performed with Wilf Carter at the Calgary Stampede. His portfolio continues to include a few shows done with Chet Atkins at the Grand Ole Opry, performances on Hee Haw, work with the Jordanaires that backed Patsy Cline and Elvis, a show with Gene Autry, playing with jazz guitar legend Lenny Breau, Don Ho, Don Messer and Tommy Hunter, as well as working with acoustic instrumentalist George Longard from Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.
His local opportunities to share his prowess include working with the Rusty Augers and Men Without Shame, as well as with Saskatchewan entertainer Brenda Lee Cottrell performing memorable music of the legendary 60s ladies, and many others.
Even as of recent days, he has continued to lay down CDs as a remembrance of the magic of the steel guitar as he performs the music of yesteryear.
Tex would like to thank all those who sent him birthday greetings, cards and attended his 90th Birthday Party.
It is with much love that we all wish Tex Emery a Happy Birthday and many more years of health and happiness until he is called to the Great Beyond to entertain the angels and all the saints that have gone on before him.
