Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

Sail Martha’s Vineyard has lost a dear friend, wise counsel and loyal supporter with the passing of Tom Hale. Tom was an integral part of the Vineyard’s waterfront as a sailor, boat builder and owner of Martha’s Vineyard Shipyard, but he was also a distinguished author, historian, curator and artist. Through the books he wrote, the stories he told and the boats he designed and built (full-size and model), he promoted and perpetuated the Island’s seafaring past and advocated for its future. He will be sorely missed.

Peggy Schwier, Vineyard Haven

The writer is board president for Sail MV