Lereaux William Emery (October 31, 1874 – February 4, 1953) was an American businessman who owned many transportation companies and lodges, and expanded tourism into the National Parks.[1][2] Roe Emery was known as "the Father of Colorado Tourism".[3]
Emery raised sheep in White Sulfur Springs, Montana.[4] In 1914, he was one of two principals of the Glacier National Park tour buses called Red Jammers, the first authorized motor vehicles in the National Park system.[5][6][7] The Grand Lake Lodge, built in 1920, was purchased by Emery in 1923 and was the start of lodging acquisitions, becoming a stop on his Rocky Mountains Circle Tours.[8] He owned The Stanley Hotel from 1930 to 1946.[9]
Emery was president of the National Western Stock Show.[10][11]
Emery's son, Walt Emery, was part of the family business and later was a co-founder of the Denver Broncos.[12] His grandson was Mark Udall, a United States Senator from Colorado.[13]