DOCTOR HONORED FOR HUMANITARIAN WORKS.

Byline: BETTIE RENCORET Senior columnist

When disaster struck, Dr. Marshall M. Mercer went to help in Vietnam, elsewhere in Asia, and Mexico.

Mercer calls these trips ``adventures'' or ``opportunities'' and says he is grateful for the chances they afforded him to treat people in dire need.

``They were some of the greatest experiences of my professional life,'' he said.

Mercer was honored at a testimonial dinner March 13 at the Antelope Valley Inn Convention Center, sponsored by the Clara Barton Society of the Antelope Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross.

While his local practice of medicine has been termed ``distinguished,'' he remains modest and unassuming, rather focusing his pride on the high achievements of his children.

His brother-in-law, the Rev. John R. Chandler of Port Hueneme, lauded Mercer as ``a truly selfless guy who never forgets a name or a good story.''

``Concern for his fellow man hasn't made him a multimillionaire but it has made him a whole community of friends,'' said Chandler, who acted as master of ceremonies at the tribute.

Mercer and his first wife, the late Frances Chandler Mercer, opened the Bermuda Inn Resort on Sierra Highway in 1963 and operated it for eight years.

The Bermuda Inn was one of the first medically supervised weight-loss centers in the United States. Pudgy celebrities came from all over the world came to stay for a period of slimming therapy at the inn.

His medical missions to victims of international disasters earned him the American Medical Association's Humanitarian Service Award.

At the dinner Chandler also paid tribute to Mercer's wife of 24 years, Marjorie, who, he said, has been an asset to the family and ``has kept this guy in line all these years.''

Speakers included Marguerite Rowell, who described the early years of medicine in the Antelope Valley, the association of the honoree and her late husband, Dr. Homer Rowell, and the growth of Antelope Valley Hospital.

The honoree's older brother described their childhood in a family of six. Bob Mercer noted that as a boy, Marshall was not only smart but industrious, working to pay his own way through school.

The three Mercer children, Barbara Cassady of Encino, Marsha Lang of Sacramento and M. Martin Mercer of Littleton, Colo., praised their father's loyalty and assistance throughout the years.

Other speakers included Dr. William Schubert, a former classmate at the University of Southern California School of Medicine, and Frank Mosher of Irvine, architect of the original Antelope Valley Hospital and the friend who suggested that Mercer come to Lancaster to establish a practice.

Also speaking were Joan Applegate, longtime reservations coordinator at the Bermuda Inn; Dr. Forrest Hull, retired local ophthalmologist; and Fran Stewart, executive director of the local American Red Cross chapter.

Mercer responded to the oral tributes with humility and humor.

``I am reconciled to the fact that I will probably always be remembered as the head honcho of the local fat farm rather than for the fact I persuaded 10 other doctors to locate here,'' he said.

Then, in a surprise move, he called nurse Esther Brones to the stage to introduce her.

She was at a loss for words when he praised her as ``the single most valuable person there during her years as head nurse at the Bermuda Inn.'' He noted she was also an asset when she worked as his office nurse.

LANCASTER - Altrusa International Inc. of Antelope Valley will end its operation locally March 27 with a dinner at the Desert Inn beginning with a social hour at 6 p.m.

The chapter has chosen to sing its swan song with an upbeat celebration, called an ``Outs-stallation,'' instead of on a negative note.

``This is really a historic occasion,'' said Nina Frazier, president. ``We want to stress all of our wonderful accomplishments through the years instead of dwelling on the fact that we can't do anymore so many of the things we used to do.''

Altrusa is an international organization so even though the local chapter is closing, its members may stay active in any of the other chapters if they care to.

Menus for the week at the senior life nutrition sites in Lancaster, Palmdale and Pearblossom have been announced. All meals include bread, margarine and coffee, tea or milk for a $2 donation.

Monday: Hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, parsleyed carrots, marinated beets and apple.

Tuesday: Baked fish, rice pilaf, stewed tomatoes, garden salad and pineapple chunks.

Wednesday: Hamburger, macaroni salad, cauliflower and carrots, tomato/onion/lettuce salad, and fruit.

Thursday: Pinto beans with ham, cornbread, broccoli, lettuce/tomato salad and lemon pudding.

Friday: Baked chicken, potatoes au gratin, peas and carrots, fiesta coleslaw, and apple brown betty.

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Photo

PHOTO (Color) Guest of honor Marshall Mercer, left, greets Harry and Barbara DuBois at a dinner sponsored by the area chapter of the Red Cross.

Bettie Rencoret/Special to the Daily News