I just learned of the death of Herbert Mercier of Edgartown. When I was superintendent of the Island schools from 1970 to 1975, Herb served on the school committee and, not surprisingly, chaired not only his town’s school committee but also the Island Union committee.

More than 40 years later, I have clear memories of Herb’s calm, his good judgment, his occasional firmness and his personal warmth. People trusted him, and I learned a great deal from him.

Jonathan M. Daube
Northampton