Editor, the News-Herald:

When I read the article in The Suffolk News-Herald written by Barbara Lee Allen concerning the death of Henry C. Murden Sr., I called her and congratulated her on the fine job she did in getting responses from some of our most distinguished citizens who knew Henry well. Henry was like an icon in the city of Suffolk, and it would be impossible to count the number of our citizens he helped through his tenure in the court system for over 50 years.

He distinguished himself as he reached out to people in helping them in any way possible and always steered them in the right direction to staff member who knew their jobs well. Although he attended Louisburg College and the University of North Carolina, he learned his job through experience and seeking advice from persons he admired.

Although I was never involved with Henry in social life, the many times I called on him for information and advice he was always kind and treated me with respect.

He will be missed by our citizens, especially those in the court system but he leaves a trained staff who are willing and able to continue the professional manner he always adhered to.

William E. Ashley Jr.

Suffolk