CAMDEN……………………..He would hate for you to read these kind words, even though those who knew Desmond Emery would surely agree that he was a genuine, hardworking, uncomplicated man - truly treasured by his family, friends, and neighbors. Desmond was born in Owls Head on February 12, 1926 - the youngest of his six siblings, Joan; Camilla; Muriel “Beda”; Lester; and Chesley “Chet”.
As a boy he moved to Camden, and was raised in this community during a time of great struggle – likely his inspiration to appreciate each day, and every blessing. He was a man who took great pride and care in all of his endeavors. Desmond valued what mattered most, yet had an affinity for collecting things that “you never know you might need one day” in the garage or the barn. He worked hard his whole life – always keeping busy, but never boasting about his work ethic. He was steadfast. He was eager, yet unconcerned by status and possessions.
Desmond had eyes as blue as the summer’s ocean, with character as deep. He served in the United States Navy during World War II, and was a sailor at heart. While on leave, and just after the war, he worked for Captain Swift as a cook and mate on the Maddie and the Indra. He married Rebecca Johnson in the summer of 1947. They soon purchased the farm on Hosmer Pond Road where their children Paul, David, and Ronna were first raised. In 1960 he married Elinor Ausplund. They were blessed with their daughter Tracy.
While many may know him as a sandman, rock-mover, gravel pit owner, and earth-worker, he had many careers – from raising chickens at the farm, to sawdust-hauler, fisherman, pilot, and business owner. He was a man of many enterprises and successes.
Desmond was an old salt - a man a few words, but full of great stories. He was a practiced bluffer at the poker table, and delighted in a match of cribbage. He was a good sport in games, and in all the complications of life – less concerned with winning, than enjoying himself in good company. He was a prankster, and a joker, but never foolish or unkind. He was helpful, generous, and sincere – not one to impose his will or opinion on others. Desmond was a typical Yankee who kept his feelings close to his chest, but was as tenderhearted as they come.
Desmond was predeceased by his wife Elinor; son Paul; nephew, Ronald (Ronnie) Emery; sister, Beda; brother, Lester; as well as many cherished family and friends. Desmond is survived by his son, David; daughter, Ronna; his “sometimes son-in-law”, Peck Kibbe; daughter, Tracy and her husband, Joel Dempsey; and daughter-in-law, Judy Emery Schleder. He will forever be remembered by his grandchildren, Tristo Emery and his wife, Chanda, their children Kasey, Blake and Reygan; Dawn Emery; Nicole Emery and her husband, Abe Kline, and Theodore Emery. Until we meet again.
The Emery family welcomes all who knew and loved Desmond to join in his graveside service at 1PM, Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Seaview Cemetery in Rockport. A time of remembrance and celebration will be held following the service at The Farmstead, 399 Commercial Street, Rockport, ME 04856. Memorial gifts may be made to The Shields Mission Fund, c/o First Congregational Church, 55 Elm St., Camden, ME 04843, or to Penobscot Pet Pantry, P.O. Box 2004, Hope, ME 04847. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.longfuneralhomecamden.com. Arrangements are with the Long Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 9 Mountain Street, Camden.

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