Joseph W. Emerson, 86

STOW — Joseph Wyman Emerson, 86, passed away March 8, 2014, at his home.

He was born in North Chatham, N.H., on Dec. 2, 1927, a son of Roger and Bernice (Bishop) Emerson, and attended local schools.

He proudly served as a Sergeant in the 185th  Engineer Combat Battalion, U.S. Army, in Korea. In the army he trained as a bulldozer operator. After returning home from Korea he worked for the U.S. Forest Service for a number of years.

For over 30 years he worked for Ambrose Brothers, Inc., out of Meredith, N.H., operating a bulldozer. He used, and honed, the skills he learned in the Army, and became widely-known as one of the best dozer operators in New England. Joe was a member of the National Rifle Association. He was also a life member of the Fryeburg Fair, which he greatly looked forward to each year. He only missed a few fairs in his adult life. After his retirement he enjoyed logging on his own land.

He truly loved the White Mountains, especially Mt. Washington. One of his favorite pastimes was trips around the mountains with his son. He was especially fond of the Basin area in North Chatham, N.H.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Elizabeth Stiles. Surviving are his son, Joseph Emerson II of Brownfield;  his former wife and still his friend, Mabel Hidden of Brownfield;  a sister, Pauline Libbey of Dover, N.H., formerly of Freedom, N.H.; three brothers, Chesley Emerson, of Chatham, N.H. and Florida, Ralph Emerson and wife Beatrice of Freedom, N.H., and Roger Emerson and wife Bettina of Palmyra; and also several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for later in the spring. Online condolences may be expressed at: www.wnyfuneralhome.com