Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I lost a friend. Martha’s Vineyard lost a friend. Eddie Belisle was the quintessential Vineyarder. Oh, he tried living off-Island but it just didn’t suit him. He loved the Island and took advantage of her bounty. Whether a smoked bluefish, venison, award winning vegetables or amazing dahlias, he shared all the fruits of his labor with his friends. Eddie had more friends than anyone else I know and he treated them all like family. It didn’t matter if they were natives, summer people or washashores, he was always available to help out. His loss leaves a hole in many hearts, but even more he will leave a hole in the fabric of this Island. Rest in peace, my friend.

Carolyn O’Daly, Edgartown