Edwin Athearn, 92, Was Sea Captain, Boat Broker

Edwin B. Athearn, a resident of Centerville since 1970, died Jan. 18 at Cape Cod Hospital. He was 92.

Mr. Athearn was born in West Tisbury, and by his 13th birthday was working as a crew member aboard an offshore sword fishing boat. As an adult, Mr. Athearn owned and operated fishing and passenger boats on the Vineyard and in Falmouth.

In 1940 he became captain of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution research vessel Anton Dohrn. During World War II the U.S. Bureau of Ships controlled both the ship and the institution. An extensive study of ocean water temperatures was conducted during this time, and Mr. Athearn was awarded a special commendation for his service from the commander of the eastern sea frontier. 

In 1947 Mr. Athearn established Athearn Marine Agency specializing in the brokerage of commercial vessels such as the 73-foot Monte Carlo, an eastern-type dragger built to his specifications in 1951 in South Bristol, Me. His expertise in wooden vessels was recognized along the eastern seaboard. 

In later years, Mr. Athearn compiled stories from his life experiences and wrote Chronicle of an Islander, Martha's Vineyard History and Adventure. Numerous articles written by him were published in Offshore Magazine and other periodicals. His letters to the editor often were published in Cape and Island newspapers.

Mr. Athearn was a man of great wit and wisdom. He stated that he wished his death would be attributed simply to old age. To the end of his life he impressed many with his gentle manner. He leaves no children, but there are a number of younger friends who think of him as a father.

He is survived by his nephew and nieces, Donald Athearn of Derry, N.H., Judy Athearn of Martha's Vineyard and Jean (Athearn) Daigle of Pennsylvania. Also surviving him are his beloved companion of many years, Shirley T. Christophers of Centerville, and her children, Joanne C. Carpenter of Hingham and Robert E. Christophers of Harwich.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Jean Athearn, and a brother, Frederick L. (Tad) Athearn.

A funeral home service was held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 23, in the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs. Interment followed in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Vineyard Haven.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the M.S.P.C.A. of Centerville, 1577 Falmouth Road, Centerville, MA 02632.