Edwin (Skip) Carl Mertz Jr gone to be with Jesus

[Bruce Heffner]

Skip was one of the early forum posters who lived in Fayetteville, N.C. Skip was a guitar and steel player who contributed to the founding of the Mid Atlantic Steel Guitar Association. He was was also a master wheeler dealer in the musical instrument, r/c and model train business. The only information on Skip's passing is he left on April 26 of this year 2020. He was 76 years old and originally grew up in Lehigh county Pennsylvania. Perhaps Roger could fill in a little more about Skip.

Sincerely,

Bruce

[Clyde Mattocks]

Saddened to read this. He was a good guy. Bought a Legrande II from him and kept in touch for a long time. Prayers here.

[Kevin Mincke]

Many years ago (18+) I bought a Webb GP amp from Skip, as he was liquidating some items to open a bike shop as I recall. The amp was only a couple years old and in "white". I still have and play the amp today. I spoke to him a couple times on the phone during the transaction and was a real gentlemen. I remember talking trains as my dd was an engineer for the Rock Island Lines.

[Roger Rettig]

I too am sad to hear this news. I'm a little out of touch with things as I recently relocated to England but my belated sympathies are extended to his family and friends.

I was aware of Skip through the Forum as many of us were. In 2004 I did a national tour with 'Best Little Whorehouse...' during which I got to spend some enjoyable time with him when our tour swung through NC.

I later did a deal with him - I traded a bunch of 0-gauge MTH locomotives for a nice LeGrande 111 - Skip had a model shop at that time and it was a mutually agreeable transaction.

Who else recalls Skip discussing arthritis medications on the Forum with none other than the late-great Big E? Buddy was looking for some advice and Skip obliged.

He was a nice man and I'm grateful to have known him.

RIP, old friend.