Brian Robert Viera died unexpectedly on May 23. He was 63.

Known to family and friends as Fern, he graduated from the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School. He was a jack of all trades and an accomplished carpenter who could fix anything with a motor and particularly liked to work on his motorcycles. Anyone who dared to ride on the back of his bike had the ride of a lifetime. He also loved driving a Barrister T in the demolition derby. If only those Aquinnah hills could talk.

Fern took great pleasure in spending time on the water, digging clams and quahaugs from lake Tashmoo and Lagoon Pond and sharing them with family and friends. There are many memories of him during scallop season on the Ruth E, the boat he named after his loving mother. He was sometimes referred to as the Speed Scalloper because the Ruth E had a bigger, faster motor than the other scallop boats. His friend Barry Stone would say: “Everyone watch out, Captain Fernie at the helm!“

He had an infectious laugh and sometimes broke into song, to the delight of those around him. He was not afraid to show affection for those he loved, sneaking up on family and friends and planting a big hug and kiss on them.

He is survived by his son John; stepson Sam; brothers Ben and his wife Joyce and Buzzy and his wife Donna; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his former wife Martha, who he remained friends with for many years. He was predeceased by his parents Marion and Ruth Viera, sisters Connie Lima and Marilyn Jernegan, and brother Milton. We hope he knows how much he was loved and will be missed.

A celebration of his life will be held in the fall. His family and friends will sing, dance and share memories of Fern.