WASHINGTON - Emery Alexander Bilodeau (1922-2016) was born in Dumfries, York County, New Brunswick, Canada, on Jan. 26, 1922. He died Oct. 15, 2016.

Within months of his birth, he was introduced to life in an American logging camp and his adoptive country. After his school years he joined his father, Peter, in life as a lumberjack.

This was interrupted by World War II. He went for training with the 10th Mountain Division at their Camp Hale and found one the joys of his life - skiing (also falling in love with Colorado). Emery saw action in Northern Italy and was invalided out with a Purple Heart.

He found his partner for life in Larissa Joan Springer of Franklin, Maine. They were married in Ellsworth on March 28, 1949, and returned to life in the woods. When their oldest child was of school age, Emery settled in Washington and took more regular employment in Belfast to allow for uninterrupted schooling for the children.

After the war his health was impaired, and as time went on he suffered many setbacks. Persistently he fought them, never giving in until the 59th minute of the hour.

His long marriage ended with the death of Larissa on June 8, 2016. He followed her in death in the VA Home in Augusta after 67 shared years. He was also predeceased by five infant children, Michael, Emery Jr., Annette, Deborah and Mark; his mature daughter, Susan in 2008; and his granddaughter, Holly in 2015.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Nicoll of Rockland and Kathy Luce of Warren; and his son, Peter of Waldoboro; his granddaughter, Wendy Fabin; his grandson, Jeffrey Nicoll; and his great-grandsons, Tucker Fabin and Gavin Nicoll.

All who knew Dad knew about the terrible jokes; his passion for fishing and hunting and the out-of-doors in general; that although untrained he could play the accordion and guitar; and was known to turn out the odd painting. They knew a good man.

We all wish to send “thanks” to the staff of B Company in the VA Home, where his condition at the end dictated his residency; and especially to Megan, for listening to the jokes and making his last months as good as they could be.
Any who wish are asked to remember Dad by making a donation to the National Stroke Association, 9707 Easter Lane, Suite B, Centennial, CO 80112 or online at stroke.erg/ways-give/donate.