Obituary: Brian William Legg

Brian William Legg, 79, died on May 14^th, 2026, at the Nantucket Cottage Hospital surrounded by his family.

Brian was born to Seddon W. and Lucille (Ayers) Legg on Nantucket. He graduated in 1965 from Nantucket High School and went on to study in Boston at Northeast Industrial Technology. In 1968 he enlisted in the USCG and became a Gunners Mate doing a tour of duty on the USCGC Bibb in Vietnam. After returning to Nantucket in 1972, he reconnected with the USPS. In 1977 he was promoted to Supervisor, then became the Postmaster in 1990, retiring in 2002. During his career on the 25^th of December, he went above and beyond by delivering the remaining Christmas packages to the residents of Nantucket.

Brian being a man of many talents working alongside his father Seddon, a skilled carpenter, erecting houses at various locations on the island. His Uncle, Lester Ayers, taught him the finer points of scalloping and he continued commercially with his wife Kathy until 2020.

The American Legion Post 82 was very important to Brian. His contributions since 1974 included positions as the Finance Director, Commander and an advocate of the Scholarship Fund. As one of the earliest members of the Nantucket Anglers’ club, he served on the Board of Directors and many committees. He enjoyed being a weigh master especially for the children and always wanted to catch “the big one” himself. In the interim he also belonged to the local VFW, IOOF and the Sportsman Club.

In 1987, Brian and Kathy joined Miacomet Gold Club. Being a dedicated golfer on August 26, 2007, he scored his first of three holes in one. In 2004, they began wintering in Naples, Florida at Foxfire Country where they continued to indulge their love of golf.

An ardent year-round fan of yard sales, TIOLI and thrift shops, Brian was always hunting for fishing lures, rods, reels, tools, and golf related items. Everything would go to his basement where he spent countless hours restoring them and then selling them at his annual yard sale.

Brian was predeceased by his son James Brian Legg in 1985, and his parents. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathleen (Holdgate) Legg, daughter Monica E. Gouin, grandsons Stephen and Nicholas Gouin, sister Suzanne Belanger (Paul), brothers-in-laws, Kenneth and Andrew Holdgate, sister-in-law, Gail Holdgate and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marla Ceely Lamb Cancer Fund, The American Legion and Nantucket Angler’s Club Scholarship Funds or the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, May 21st at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Nantucket. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Nantucket.