Dear Editor:

Our dearest friend Jerry Barlow passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8 in Mid Coast Hospital in Brunswick, Maine. He was family to me and all my family for over 47 years.

I was buying a cottage on Mount Pisgah through Bessie Kenniston and went up to check some room measurements before I had an oversized sofa shipped up that was in storage in New York. I knew the cottage was unlocked so I went in, measured the room and left. Standing outside was Jerry. I held out my hand and said I’m Karen Swartsberg (not knowing that Jerry was the neighbor next door and also the owner of that wonderful cottage) and I’m buying this cottage.

Jerry did not take my handshake and said decisively “Don’t be too sure!” And that was the beginning of a great friendship!

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. A Maine fisherman and a fine friend. Hopefully there will be someone who will make sure his ashes will be taken out to sea where he fished as he always wanted to rest.

Karen Swartsberg Vander

Boothbay Harbor