Frederick L. Legg, a home‑grown native of Martha’s Vineyard, son of John L. Legg and Ida Legg, died suddenly on October 20, 2009 in Oak Bluffs, at the age of 67. He was born on October 4, 1942. He attended the Oak Bluffs elementary schools and was with the first class that graduated from Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School in 1960.
On November 14, 1961, Fred enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served about 17 months in Turkey, mostly with the 727th Tactical Control Squadron, being honorably discharged on November 12, 1965. After his discharge, he returned to civilian life and left for New Orleans to work on the oil rigs off the coast of Louisiana. Sometime during this approximate period, Fred tried marriage twice but rejected it twice in favor of “bachelorism” for the rest of his life.
On returning to Martha’s Vineyard in the early 1970s, he gained accreditation as a master plumber, which profession he engaged in until his untimely death. One of Fred’s favorite stories was when he was hired by the movie makers filming the famous “Jaws” in the 1975 movie. He and some of his buddies were hired to sit in a dinghy offshore, babysitting the artificial shark overnight to prevent vandalism. A few of the related stories he told concerning this event cannot here be repeated.
During this period, Fred became a supporter of several charitable groups. Among them were the M.V. Harley Riders and the VFW Fluke Tournament. Fred was also a life member of the Falmouth Amvets Post #70 and a member of the Falmouth Elks Club. He spent his leisure time hunting, boating, fishing, driving his antique car and his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and he spent many hours socializing at the VFW Post 9261.
Fred leaves a son, Matthew F. Kennelly of Minnesota, and a brother, John Legg of England. Many will miss him. One guess is that, if he had the opportunity, he would have bid a fond “Adieu” to Matt, John, Alana Rose, Rena, Lynn, Dickie, Kenny, Ronnie, Phil, Nick, Larry, Mike, Shoes, Frank, and others. As a home‑grown native, Fred was proud of his heritage and he certainly will be missed.