Harold was a loving, compassionate man with an incredible sense of humor. He never missed an opportunity for a laugh and would go to great lengths to carry out practical jokes. A people person to the end, Harold would go out of his way to say hi and bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Born in Brunswick on September 7, 1938 to Norman and Edith Emerson, Harold was the first of three sons in a family dedicated to public service. His father was Sheriff and his mother director of nurses and one of the founders of Regional Memorial Hospital. Harold found his passion in firefighting and served for over 41 years in the Brunswick Fire Department where he was still an active member. Harold proudly held the rank of Deputy Chief of the department’s call force and played an instrumental role in the design and construction of the Cook’s Corner Fire Station.
Harold was a strong man of faith and shared his life with the Brunswick United Methodist Church where he was an active member and served on numerous groups and committees over the years including serving as co-chairman of the building committee for the now present location where he enjoyed working on the public, baked bean suppers with his wife.
Upon graduating from high school in 1956, Harold served his country in The United States Air Force as air traffic controller and enjoyed the time he spent in Japan on deployment.
After his service in the military, Harold secured a job with Union Mutual ( now UNUM) in Portland where he worked as an analyst for 36 years before retiring in 1997. He loved the amount of traveling the career provided which allowed him to see much of the country and to meet new people.
Harold was not one to sit around and, after retirement, immediately found work delivering flowers for Flowers, Etc. in Brunswick. The job brought him so much happiness. It thrilled him to drive around the town he loved so much, serving his community by bringing smiles through flowers.
Harold loved to serve and also found great reward through membership in The Grange and through his brotherhood with the Masonic Lodge. He belonged to the order of DeMolay and continued on to a 50 year membership with United Lodge #8, F&A.M., where he was past master and was currently serving as chaplain. He also belonged to the York Rite Bodies, Scottish Rite 32nd Degree, and Kora Shrine. He was a member and past patron of Hawthorne Chapter O.E.S.
Harold will be missed dearly by family and many friends, and is survived by his wife, Patricia, of 44 years; his daughter Susan Hensley and her husband Charles Hensley of Brunswick; and his sons Steven Emerson and his partner, Bryan Murrell of San Diego, CA, and Jeff Emerson and his wife, Gina Emerson of West Bath, as well as five beautiful grandchildren, Zachary, Sam, Ben, Cody, and Shelby, whom he adored.
He is also survived by his brothers Robert Emerson and his wife Sharron of Brunswick, Arthur Emerson, and his wife Jane, of Denver, CO, and their families.
The family would like to thank all the wonderful caregivers at Bodwell House who showed so much love for Harold and brought him so much comfort in his last days with us.
Visiting hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, November 28th at the Brackett Funeral Home, 29 Federal Street, Brunswick. A funeral service will be held at 11a. m. Tuesday at the Brunswick United Methodist Church, Church Road, Brunswick where a masonic service will follow. Interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery, Brunswick. If desired, donations can be made to the Brunswick United Methodist Church, 320 Church Road, Brunswick, ME.
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