Michael B "Bear" Emmons

Michael B. Emmons “Bear,” 75, of Seminole, FL, formerly Mackinac Island, Michigan, passed away, January 25, 2024 following a short illness. 

On October 9th, 1948, he was born to parents Otto ‘Bud’ Emmons and Bette J. O’Brien Emmons.  Mike grew up on Mackinac Island Michigan and Ft. Lauderdale Florida.  He went to school at the Indian Dormitory School on Mackinac Island and graduated from college at  Mid-Michigan College in Harrison Michigan.  He grew up working for Mackinac Island Carriage Tours and his grandfather, Leslie O’Brien started one of the original Mackinac Island horse drawn tours.  Mike was an avid businessman, owning and operating several businesses on Mackinac Island, including the former and memorable French Outpost.

Mike ‘The Bear’ as he was known to many of his friends, often spoke of those persons who inspired him in his business such as Dr. Rex Orr and Dennis Brodeur, owner of the Mustang Bar.  Mike later moved to Florida and worked for Sysco/Frost-Pack, retiring and then going back to work operating a Little Caesars franchise in Iowa then ultimately retiring back to Seminole, FL. 

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents Leslie and Grace O’Brien, parents Bud and Bette Emmons, and sister Lesley “Joann” Emmons Bagbey, all from Mackinac Island. 

Mike had a deep love and affection for his beloved island as his family roots ran deep.  His great-grandfather, Arthur O’Brien, an Irish immigrant who came to the United States, arrived at Ellis Island unable to find a job, so he enlisted in the U.S. Army, and was posted at Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island.  

Left to cherish Michael’s memories are his wife of nearly 20 years Nancy Emmons and her children Michael Barron (Austin, Tx) and Sarah Skelton (Spanish Fort, AL), friend and brother-in-law, Jimmy Fullard (Bartow, FL), and two nieces Shelley Izzard (Cadillac Michigan) and Tammey Schlehuber (Cedarville, Michigan) and their families. 

Mike had a love for Mackinac Island and returned often to visit the island, family, and friends. His hobbies included golfing, attending road course races, traveling, and cooking. Bear was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and smirk. He was depended on by many family and friends to be the “the guy” to come to for help with any questions, problems, or advice. Mike always enjoyed the finer things in life (big and small) and passed it down to many other family and friends. 

He will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Anne’s Cemetery on Mackinac Island and a service and celebration of life will take place in June 2024 on Mackinac Island. Details will be shared soon.  

Come raise a glass to Michael as we gather to celebrate a very special life and share some of our favorite stories and memories. A celebration of life for Michael B. Emmons “Bear” will be held on February 29, 2024 at the American Legion Post 273 in Maderia Beach, FL from 3:30pm to 6:30pm.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter in honor of Mike and the great love and admiration he had for his past cats and dogs. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael B "Bear" Emmons, please visit our floral store.