Emerson Oliver McArthur IV

CHESTER TWP. – Our cherished son Emerson Oliver McArthur IV, age 42, of Chester Township, went missing in early February. We are deeply saddened to share that he was found March 1, 2021, after he had passed away. We are incredibly grateful to our local Chesterland Police Department for their tireless efforts to find Emerson and for their care and compassion during this most difficult time.

The illness of chemical dependency is a misunderstood disease. It is unrelenting and rears its ugly head in many lives at the most unexpected times. No one person or family are immune to its powerful force.

Addiction is a mental illness. It is not a character disorder nor a choice. No one, especially our Emerson, plans to be an addict. Addiction does not discriminate.

Emerson battled valiantly against this illness for more than half of his life. He had a will to live and a powerful life force that amazed us as he struggled with trying to manage this disease. We used to joke that, like a cat, he appeared to have nine lives. His courage inspired us as we realized what it took for Emerson to get back up each and every time.

In 2013, his near fatal heroin overdose, the ensuing brain damage that took his short-term memory, was particularly challenging. Once again, he worked diligently with his doctors learning to compensate for his loss and move forward with his life.

We will be forever grateful for the many kind, caring and knowledgeable professionals that generously offered us what they knew to be helpful tools as we assisted Em in his fight. We want to thank the committed and dedicated staff of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, Ravenwood Health, and Disability Rights Ohio. The Fellowships of Alcoholics Anonymous and the Al-Anon Family Groups also offered us and Em much support.

The book, “Beyond Addiction – HOW SCIENCE AND KINDNESS HELP PEOPLE CHANGE – A Guide for Families,” by Jeffrey Foote, PhD, Carrie Wilkens, PhD, and Nicole Kosanke, PhD, with Stephanie Higgs was enormously helpful.

In the midst of his struggles, Emerson experienced wonderful periods of remission where he had fun and enjoyed life. He married his one and only true love, and had two beautiful daughters.

Emerson loved gardening and was always willing to help his Mom with her endless outdoor projects as well as “catching” with his dad, not fishing. He went to school and learned the trade of HVAC, enjoyed his job and was a contributing member of both the local community and his faith community.

Emerson’s desire to share his faith was contagious, resulting in being awarded “Revivalist” of the year at the Bethel School of Ministry. He was an active participate in Tres Dias of St. Louis and Tres Dias Cleveland, where he experienced the Grace of God. Through Emerson’s death all of us have an opportunity to expand and live the ministry Emerson wanted had he been able to continue to do so. He was genuine and had a heart of compassion for people who were hurting.

Sharing Emerson’s story, we are left with many emotions, specifically pride. We are proud of our son, of what he experienced, learned and did not learn in his short stay on this earth. He was a bright shining light amongst us, and his life impacted many.

In retrospect we are grateful for the gift he gave us so unknowingly. This gift, living with addiction, has given us understanding, empathy and kindness. We have learned to be less prone to judgement. We are incredibly sad, but we feel no shame, not for him nor us.

Emerson knew how deeply his family loved him, and although we did become weary, we never gave up hope and were by his side throughout his journey. We take solace in the fact that he is free at last and in the loving, accepting arms of his Heavenly Father.

Emerson will be missed forever by his loving parents, Mac and Liz McArthur, of Chester; brothers, Justin McArthur (Madalyn), of Chardon, James McArthur (Jenifer), of Shaker Heights;  his two precious daughters, Aliyah Joy and Naomi Elizabeth McArthur, who he always referred to as his “Petee’s;” former wife, Heidi Gealy (nee Preston) PA; uncle to Olivia Grace, who fondly referred to him as “Uncle Ewe (lamb),” Miriam Kay and Amelia Anne; nephew to many beloved aunts and uncles; cousin to many; his dearest friend Noel Guilford; and ever constant advisors Sally Iannone, Rich Venn and John Dorsey.

He was lovingly welcomed into his heavenly home by his grandparents; cousin Bruce; and many others.
A private family service was held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Munson Township, with the gentle assistance of Marc H. Burr and Vicki Drugatz, of Burr Funeral Home, and Rev. Dr. Matthew Reeves, of Christ Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift towards his children’s educational fund. Checks can be made payable and mailed to: Stifel Nicolaus & Company, 9930 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Ste. 2-A,  Mentor, OH 44060. (Please note on the memo line: Aliyah and Naomi McArthur); or to Christ Presbyterian Church, 12419 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026. (Please note on the memo line: Food Pantry-Emerson.)

Arrangements made by Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon. Information and condolences online at www.burrservice.com.