Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Sad news travels fast in Mathews, and beyond.

Edward Diggs’s death is a loss for his family, community, church and Mathews County. I feel privileged to have known him, primarily in connection with the Mathews Maritime Foundation and Museum, as I learned about his rich legacy of building wooden boats by “rack of eye” for watermen and others.

Each knew his boat was built by a man with a gift for working in wood with hand tools and whose vision and skill would produce a seaworthy vessel that would always safely bring him home while, at the same time, attracting attention for its beauty.

I came to appreciate his droll sense of humor, always maintaining a straight face, his ready smile, and his humility. He and his lovely wife, Louise, welcomed me in their home, always willing to share information as I gained more insight and knowledge about boats, “fishing,” the people and general information about Mathews.

Edward claimed I was the only woman he eve...