Geologist Jack Merchant wearing headlamp in the Eagle Mine.
"Merchant moved to Eagle County in 1954 to work as head geologist for the New Jersey Zinc Company at Gilman. He eventually became mine superintendent, a position he held until the mine closed in 1985. He also served a couple of terms on the Eagle Town Board in the 1970s. ... He was the secretary and treasurer for the volunteer fire district. ... Many knew Merchant because he was an avid birdwatcher, was active in the Audubon Society and helped organize the annual bird counts." -- Cliff Thompson, "Expert birdwatcher, avid skier passes away," Vail Daily June 17, 2004.
