David 'Joe' Whitcomb

Dillingham, Alaska- David Raymond "Joe" Whitcomb, 66, formally of Dalton passed away on Friday September 21, 2012. He was born on April 19, 1946 in Concord, VT, a son to the late Raymond and Hortence (Ingalls) Whitcomb. Joe attended the Dalton School and the St. Johnsbury Trade School.

Over the years Joe worked as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator, truck driver, auto body shop owner, water well driller, gold miner, commercial and subsistence fisherman, an avid hunter and loved to cook. Joe would frequently go out of his way to lend a helping hand when needed. Joe raced for several years at Riverside Raceway in Groveton and was an avid NASCAR fan. Joe loved to visit with many family and friends in Alaska and in New England. Joe made sure to spend special time with each of his children and grandchildren to ensure they knew the importance of getting an education and working hard. Joe will be greatly missed by all those who were so fortunate to have known him.

He was preceded in death by five brothers; Eugene, Robert, Roger, Lawrence and Gene.

He is survived by his wife Rae Belle and daughters Katelyn and Abbey Whitcomb of Dillingham, AK; a son Raymond and granddaughters Reghan and Gracie Whitcomb of Dillingham, AK; a daughter Ellen and husband Jon and grandchildren Leigha and Wade Nelson of Lunenburg, VT; a daughter Ina Whitcomb and granddaughter Emily Offt of Lancaster, NH; Grandchildren Macaelin and Makenzie Flensburg of Dillingham, AK; a brother Bradley and wife Shirley Whitcomb of Dalton, NH. He is also survived by former wife Charlotte Cornell of Lunenburg, VT.

Family and friends are invited to visiting hours on Thursday September 27at Bailey Funeral Home in Lancaster from 6-8 PM. A funeral will be held on Saturday September 29, at 2 PM at the Dalton Congregational Church with the Reverend Dennis Bowman officiating; burial will follow in the Cushman Cemetery; with a reception/potluck following at the Dalton town hall.