G. W. "Skip" Mercier

I worked with Skip on three of my plays at the O'Neill. He knew how to ask the kinds of questions that open doors to new ideas and insights. After a meeting with him, I would come away with a greater appreciation of the art of set design and a more grounded understanding of the specific world my characters inhabited. Thank you, Skip, for all of that plus your kindness, wit, and laughter. May you rest in peace after giving so much to so many.

Skip’s passing is a great loss to the theatre community. He was a wonderful and insightful artist whose questions about set design at the O’Neill helped me learn a lot about my plays.

Dear Rob and Family,
Always Skip is on my mind when I begin a project- and he will forever be.
His voice, smile, and completely to the point wisdom always reminds me to sharpen my tools and open my heart to the work. I will say I have spend years aspiring to Skips energy- endless, boundless, generous, infectious. His belief in humans making theatre for other humans was as pure as it gets...and his ability to see that light in others something divine.

As you know Skip...

I met Skip as my daughter's professor and mentor at University of Washington. I am forever grateful for his treatment, compassion and mentorship of my daughter. Rest in Peace

I was signed up for Skip's Drama 215 class next quarter and I was beyond excited to learn from him and get to experience his joy and passion for teaching that so many people told me about. It deeply saddens me that he was taken too soon. Sending love and my condolences to his friends and family during this time. Even though I was not able to have the pleasure to have him as my professor, I know he was amazing and a ray of light amongst the University of Washington's campus.

Skip thank you so much for your warmth and for your wisdom, forever grateful to you!

We still can’t believe you’re gone, Skip. You could make anyone laugh, and added sparkle wherever you went. You were kind, caring and honest. Such incredible talent. “Soph!”
Rob, Molly, Wil, Michael, and Jack, we send love and light to you. Holding you in our hearts.
Skip, you will live in our hearts, and the hearts of so many, forever. 40 years of friendship... see you down the road, dear friend.

Skip unequivocally altered the course of my life for the better. The last time I spoke with him he said, “It is a joy inspiring and provoking you - which I will continue forever.” Regardless of time and space, that has been true thus far and I know, wholly, that that will be true the rest of my days. The Beyond has gained my mentor, dear friend, and mensch. I will spend the rest of my life digging into the details, scrutinizing my perspective, and trying to emulate that twinkle in his eye...