USVI-On-Line

I just read in the Tradewinds that one of STJ's most beloved,wonderful characters, artist Hermon Smith, passed away this past Saturday. Herman carved lingum vitae necklaces, other jewelry, and sculptures which were sold in many of the islands shops. He was the epitome of the good hearted,
free spirit West Indian. R.I.P. Hermon.

Hermon had a great line about Caneel: "for the newly wed and the nearly dead." Cracked me up! He actually had an incredible life on STJ. He had been a farmer, owned a fruit stand amongst other endeavors before he did mostly his wood carvings. Hermon used to hire Peter Muilenburg, former owner of Breath, with his first ship, to pick up a ton or two of bananas from Tortola and bring them back to Cruz Bay for Hermon to sell.

Is this the gentleman who was sometimes under the tree at Starfish Market with his carvings? I always wanted to stop and look at his work. I am sorry now that I didn't make time.

yes

A picture of Hermon and a little piece about his reflections on life can be found on this page.Scan down towards the bottom.
http://www.stjohnsuntimes.com/days_go_by

My wife, kids, and I were lucky enough to get to know Hermon a little during the last few years. He was a wealth of knowledge on the plants, animals, and people of St John. My kids were definitely fans as well.
We own many of his carvings.
More links:
http://www.seestjohn.com/flora_lignum_vitae.html
http://www.stjohnessence.com/PMuilenburgSOSJ.html

Herman was a gentle soul, with a quick sense of humor and loved the land. When we first met him he introduced himself as a botonist, and walked us around the area telling us all about the trees and flora.

Herman lived below our villa, and was always a delight to talk with when we were on island. The last time was in November when we invited him up on the deck, two different times. Each time he spent about an hour visiting with us. As I look back, I think he knew it may be our last time visiting. He gave us different plantings over the years. These we will continue to watch grow, and cherish for years.

May Herman rest in peace.

@Aikojim ~ I enjoyed reading your links, especially the 2nd link. Really good reading. Thanks.

The late Harry Chapin had a great line that best described Hermon..."when you look in his eyes you know that somebody's in there."

Self-taught botanist, keeper of lore, fountain of wisdom, and keen observer of the world about him, Hermon Smith was one of a kind.

He gave away as many of his carvings as he sold, and we count them among our greatest treasures. We will miss the little box of plants that would magically appear on our property. Most of all, we will miss our friend Hermon.

He was a gentleman and a gentle man.

God speed, Hermon Smith.

Hey, thanks @AikoJim and @JT for those links. Very good reading on someone I wish I had been able to meet on STJ.

If I were to be on STJ this weekend, there is no doubt where I'd be;
http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/ind ... &Itemid=38

If one wants to really experience a true local gathering I feel quite sure that Hermon would be honored by your presence at the memorial service at Hawknest.

Oops! Wrong link. Try this one:
http://www.stjohntradewindsnews.com/
Scan about half way down the page.