I received a phone call from Isabelle Wiggins yesterday a 5pm telling me my friend and lighthouse mentor had passed away last Thursday. A memorial service will be held next Monday and his ashes will be scattered at his beloved Long Beach Bar Lighthouse. Many of you have met Merle at his annual eastend Long Island lighthouse cruise. I have been lucky enough to been included in many of his lighthouse adventures over the past decade(many that I've documented on the Forum). He will be greatly missed.
It's very sad to hear of the loss of a true lighthouse preservation legend.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with his family.
Stan M New Jersey Lighthouse Lovers ------------------------------------ Harry Wishlist: Tinicum Rear Range, Miah Maull Shoal, Finns Point, Bergen Point, Cross Ledge, Old Ambrose Lightstation, Romer Shoal, Barnegat Lightship, Liberty Lightship.
Sad news. I was introduced to Merle by Bob Scroope several years ago. Merle arranged a special boat tour of several of the East End lighthouses during that trip and I shall never forget it.
Let's dim the light a bit in recognition of his life and service -- then keep the light burning brightly in his memory.
Sad news for a true hero to Long Island Lighthouse Lovers.
I, too, will forever remember a boat trip arranged by Bob Scroope with Merle to view many of the lights dear to Merle and his gift of an aerial photograph of the Long Beach Bar -- both the light and the sand bar.