Andrew Mercier, 10, Of Towson

TOWSON, MD — The boy who inspired wind socks to fly around Towson and beyond has soared beyond the earthly realm. Andrew Frances Mercier died Dec. 15. He was 10.

Andrew is survived by his parents, Paul and Colleen Mercier; grandparents Marcel and Claudette Mercier and Brian and Nora Maloney; uncle and aunts Johanne Mercier, Kathleen Wood and Kelly Maloney; and many family and friends, according to his obituary.

Andrew had been battling leukemia since Easter.

Soon after he learned of his diagnosis, his neighbors began hanging carp windsocks, in part encouraged by Knollwood Association President David Riley, who put out a call for the community to display them in the boy's honor.

"Let's unite as a neighborhood in a show of solidarity for Andrew with this timeless symbol of communal hope that Knollwood's children will remain strong, healthy, and resilient," Riley posted on the Knollwood Association Facebook page in the spring.

Traditionally flown in Japan on Children's Day in May to bring good fortune to children, the windsocks feature carp because it is known as a "strong spirited fish" that fights upstream.

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Since then, the carp windsocks have appeared in neighborhoods far and wide. A mural featuring the fish was also painted outside Kerb restaurant on East Chesapeake Avenue in Towson in his honor.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, at Ruck Towson Funeral Home, 1050 York Road, where the funeral service will follow. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, people may send memorial contributions in his name to Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center/Centers & Clinics Pediatric Oncology.