Who is Ned Wishnell from Stern Men and what is their importance?

Reputedly the best fisherman in Maine, Ned hears young Jim Burden's call for help when he runs out of gas out in the Atlantic. Everyone responds to the distress call, but it is Ned who finds the boy and, while trying hastily to board his boat, slips into the water and is crushed between the hulls. His body sinks. The tragedy of someone who had not taken part in the petty squabbles dying during a rescue makes everyone on both islands come to their senses and end their conflicts. Ned's beautiful, 20-year-old widow Allison flees home to Kennebunkport, ME, damning repulsive Courne Haven Island and leaving her year-old son, Owney, to be raised by her brother-in-law, Pastor Toby Wishnell.