OXFORD — Emery Gammon, 71, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully Thursday morning at his home in Oxford, surrounded by his family, after losing his battle with cancer. His dignified passing was an inspiration to everyone who knew and loved him.

Emery was born in Portland, Maine, the son of Leslie and Helena Gammon, and was predeceased by his beloved wife, Heidi, whom Emery felt confident he would join upon his passing. Emery and Heide met at Ramstein Airforce base in Germany and were married from June 23, 1961 until her passing in February of 2009.

He graduated from Norway High School in 1957 and enlisted in the United States Airforce, the beginning of a career in the armed services that would cover nearly 20 years in the Military Police, taking pride in providing security for nuclear warheads in California and President Nixon’s Airforce One, when the President visited New Hampshire. His military career took him to places like the Aleutian Islands, New Mexico, California, Massachusetts, Pease Airforce base in New Hampshire, Maine, and, of course, Germany.

He and Heide bought their home in Oxford in 1975 and raised their family, Emery’s greatest joy. Home was his favorite place to be, raising vegetable gardens, his children, and occasionally taking a trip to Atlantic City with Heide, where they would walk along the boardwalk early in the morning together. He also loved to be with his wife during her time as an antique dealer in the Oxford area and for many years at the Fryeburg fairgrounds.

He was a private man, yet quick to smile, straightforward, and always focusing on supporting and encouraging his family, perhaps his greatest legacy.

He is survived by a sister, Audrey Lawson, and husband, Michael, a brother, Ellery Gammon and his wife, Priscilla; three sons, Leslie and his wife, Martha, Emery Gammon Jr., and Stephen. Six Grandchildren, Dillon, Tyler, Morgan, Whitney, Jason and Tony. And three Great Grandchildren, Brayden, Lauren Lee and Molly Mae. Online condolences maybe expressed to the family at www.oxfordhillsfuneralservices.com.