Hershel West of Menemsha died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 3. He was 94.

Hershel was born March 1, 1924 to his parents Norman and Annie West at his grandmother’s house on Middle Road, close to the West Tisbury/Chilmark town line. As a boy, he delivered mail with his father to Naushon and Nomans islands. He spent most of his life commercial fishing. Besides scalloping, oystering, and lobstering on the Island, he crewed draggers out of New Bedford. For many years, he crewed aboard the Menemsha swordfish boats owned by the Larsens.

Having lived aboard his boat in Menemsha for years, Hershel was a “Cricker” at heart, a part of the waterfront scene in Menemsha. He was well-known for his role in the movie Jaws as Quint’s mate along with his beloved dog, Tipper. The movie role brought him membership in the Screen Actors Guild.

In later life, he resided at the Woodside Village in Oak Bluffs. Hershel would commute on the bus in the morning to work at Larsen’s Fish Market in Menemsha, up to his death. For the ride back home, a lobster roll would satisfy him.

There will be a celebration of his life on Saturday, May 12 at 10 a.m. at Dutcher Dock in front of Larsen’s Fish Market.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chilmark Fire Association. Hershel was a member of the department for many years.

Fair wind my friend.