National Board Mourns Loss of Former Members

The National Board has learned of the passing of former Louisiana Chief Boiler Inspector William Owens and former Maine Chief Boiler Inspector Joseph W. Emerson. Both men died on Friday, October 21.

Mr. Owens served in the United States Air Force and attended boiler training school. His civilian career as a boiler inspector included employment with the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company; the City of Tucson, Arizona; and with State of Louisiana. Mr. Owens was a National Board and ASME team leader and held an A endorsement. He retired from the State of Louisiana in February of 2015.

Mr. Emerson was 92-years-old at the time of his passing. He served as the chief of Maine from 1969 until his retirement in 1980, and was selected as a National Board Honorary Member in 1981. He attended the Marine Maritime Academy and served during World War II as a Merchant Marine. He worked for the State of Maine as a boiler and elevator inspector for 25 years, and continued working as an engineer and boiler inspector into his 80s. A memorial service for Mr. Emerson was held on October 29, in Winthrop, Maine. For more information, please click here.