ANNOUNCEMENT TO ASF
With deep sadness and broken hearts, the children of Emil Justrich announce his passing. He left this life peacefully on September 22 with family around him after a lengthy and heroic fight with cancer. Emil’s last weeks were spent comfortably in his home, cared for by his children and grandchildren. He joins his dearly departed former wife Donna, who preceded him in death by twelve years but to whom he remained forever devoted. He will also be reunited with his cherished mother and the father he lost as a baby. Emil is survived by his four loving children: Lee, Tina, Tracy and Kevin, along with 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and his dear brother, sister-in-law, nephews and nieces.
Emil was born on June 22, 1938 in Zurich, Switzerland. After attending Swiss Military School, he emigrated to the United States in 1962 and was hired as a clerk by Air Sea Forwarders. Emil, with his tireless work ethic, impeccable attention to detail, and inherent Swiss diplomacy became the trusted advisor to ASF's founder, and led as General Manager of all branches and operations within the company. Emil was loyal to anything he committed to; going on to serve 52 years at ASF. He was integral to the company’s growth and it’s eminent position in the world of international freight forwarding.
At the age of 75, he retired from his modest corner office with that hard, leather couch, where he not only solved logistic issues, but also those of the heart, by lending an ear and offering sage advice to anyone who needed it. Emil was a stellar leader and confidant, and he finally retired from Air-Sea to spend more time with family and to enjoy his home and some well earned solitude.
From his children: “Our dad’s very name became synonymous with Air-Sea Forwarders because of his outstanding dedication and direction, but it was at home where he was the greatest leader, mentor, provider, and protector of all time… and most importantly, just ‘Dad’. We always knew his love and pride for us. Dad was our ‘rock’. We could count on Dad to guide and support us without fail. We know our father to be a man of honor, humility, quiet strength, selflessness, wisdom, and unconditional love… and a funny little critter, too! Anyone who was fortunate enough to know our dad also knew him to be knowledgeable, thoughtful, polite, and a consummate gentleman. The world lost a remarkable man, and we lost our world. We cannot adequately express the emptiness in our lives without our hero, and now, our second parent.
Rest easy, Dad… your life was well-lived and we are fortunate and proud to have you as our father. Give Mom a kiss for us. We know you are both watching, and we will honor your memory in every step and breath we take.
Profoundly loved and revered, and sorely missed, our dad will always remain in our thoughts and hearts. At his request, we will have a private family internment. Those wanting to share their memories or send their wishes can do so on a rememberance website (TBA) or email directly to tracyjustrich@gmail.com, in which we will post to celebrate his life and legacy.
