Obituaries

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of Tex Emery (Emery Anthony Herperger) on August 17, 2023 in Moose Jaw, SK at the age of 92.

Tex was predeceased by loving wife, Marie; his parents Joseph and Julia; and brothers and sisters John, Alice, Joseph, Anne, Frank, Margaret, Elec, Steve, Peter, and Stanley.

He is survived by his adorable wife, Bonnie; his children James (Jennifer), Sandra/Samantha (Chris) Bannister, Kevin (Michele), Shannon (Kevin) Mostat, and Susan (Dallas); as well as his cherished grandchildren Julia (Liam), Tristan, Davis, Troy, Logan, Abbie (Matthew) Rachel, Haley, Victoria, and Kelly.

Tex was born in Stockholm, SK on September 6, 1930. He started his musical career at the age of 17 by teaching himself to play the lap steel guitar. In the late 1940’s his first professional gig was with Stu Davis – Canada’s Cowboy Troubadour. Tex was honored to entertain England’s King George and Queen Elizabeth at the Calgary Stampede with Hank Snow. He appeared on stage with such artists as Gene Autrey, Hank Snow, Wilf Carter, Grandpa Jones, Bob Wills, Hal Lone Pine and jazz guitarist Lenny Breau and many more. In the 1950’s and 60’s Tex appeared on Ramblin’ Man, a television show produced in Winnipeg and featured Reg Gibson from the Red River Jamboree.

Tex was a comedian for years and made the crowd laugh by portraying Sunshine Ficklegrass. Tex also toured on the road, played concerts, clubs, personal appearances, and numerous dances. His famous smile is well known from his many television appearances as well as stage and radio shows throughout North America. Tex has been on many fellow musicians’ recordings as well as quite a few of his own. He can play numerous instruments, one being the dobro that he played in his earlier years, but his true love is the steel guitar. Tex was very versatile and played every style of music from Western Swing, country, rock, folk, jazz, blues, Hawaiian, modern and big band.

Away from music, Tex was a devoted family man. He was a loyal husband and father and loved his family, which was the center of his universe. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and meeting as many people as possible. He loved sharing all his stories.

Tex has long been recognized in Western Canada as one of the most innovative musicians around. He received the prestigious Heritage Music Award for lifetime achievement and has been inducted into the Country Music Hall Of Fame. His recent work includes recording and live performances with Big Blue Eastern Swing of Halifax, Nova Scotia and toured Western Canada with Rory Allen and the Jordanaires. He had at least 16 instrumental recordings in the works, one with Big Blue and a number of guitar-oriented projects. After spending time in Halifax, Tex made his home in Moose Jaw, SK. Tex found great pleasure and friendship in playing stage shows with Brenda Lee Cottrell. But, his one true joy was having his son, James, play drums with him since 1983.

Tex also found time to build and repair steel guitars as well as teach. He has made it his life mission to educate and advance the stature of the steel guitar. It is well known throughout the music industry that Tex was always willing to share his musical secrets that he had learned over the years.

This was Tex’s 70th year as a professional musician and in addition to his talents as a player and arranger, Tex also has written music for the steel guitar in both Western swing and Hawaiian styles. Tex is not only a musical legend, but will be remembered as one of the most upbeat, energetic and positive individuals in the music world.

A musician, comedian, legend, salesman, and family man, Tex was well rounded and will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. in Resurrection Roman Catholic Church, 3155 Winsdor Park Road, Regina, SK. Further, a Celebration of Tex Emery's Life will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Army and Navy Vets, 279 High Street West, Moose Jaw, SK. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Tex's memory to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.