It is my sad duty to inform you that we have lost a friend and fellow member of Big Blue. Stein (who went by the user name steinjr) has passed away. After he and his family visited our home during a trip from Norway to Minnesota to visit his inlaws, my wife and his became friends on Facebook. Today my wife read the shocking anouncement that Stein has died. We haven't had a chance to interact with his wife Lora, but perhaps we will be able to obtain contact information for those of you who might wish to send condolences. I don't know if she will be monitoring the forum at all. We'll pass on any information we receive.

It never ocurred to me that I'd be hosting a Norwegian Big Blue member and having such a blast running trains with him. I imagined that this would be an annual event coinciding with his family's regular trips to Minnesota in the summer. Rest in Peace, Stein.

Ralph

Wow...sad news indeed....talk about out of left field.....enjoy every day you never know when it will all end.
Condolences to his family and friends.

My condolences to Stein's family, he'll be greatly missed in the model railroading community.

I am very sorry to read this sad news.

My sincerest condolences to his family.

Terrible news ...what a shock . My condolences to Stein's family and friends .

Terry

I am shocked and very saddened to hear about the loss of another member of the Big Blue family.My sincere condolences to Stein's family and friends

I too am stunned by this information. I pass along my condolences to his family. wish I could have met him. God bless his soul. Rest in peace dear friend.
Charlie and family.

It's very upsetting to hear of Stein's passing. My condolences to his family and friends.

His untimely death is also a loss for Big Blue (and the MR Forums and wherever else he may have offered his expertise). He may have been the only person to whom I could listen talking about trackplans and not have my eyes begin to glaze over. He would look-over countless plans for others, at their request or not, then ask insightful questions and come up with a revision (or even revisions) that worked so much better than the original, all within the same available space.
I also admired his ability to ask pithy questions or make incisive comments when someone was throwing their weight around, acting stupid, or being rude: often, it was enough to make the offender realise the error of his ways, and other times, it simply put someone, deservedly, in their place. Diplomacy without the b.s.
I regret never having had the chance to meet him in person.

Wayne

What a shock. He posted several photos of his family with his young children. He was far to young to pass away. My condolences to his family especially to his kids to grow up without a loving dad. My best wishes to his widow to master this tragic challenge of her life.

He was only 47...

Much too young.

Unfortunately bad things happen to good people. I am bothered by this turn of events, but I do believe he is in a good place now... I must admit I will miss his interaction on this forum.

Ite in pace, in nomine Christi.

You will be missed, and remembered.

Dave

my condolences to his family.

I can't believe it! Do we know what happened?

That's terrible! I'm in shock and saddened by this news, I just couldn't believe it when I logged on to Big Blue this morning and saw this thread.

I knew Stein for several years, still remember how we first met on the Model Railroader forum and discovered that we lived only a few miles apart. He was the greatest and kindest man, so insightful and passionate for his hobby, and always willing to help others.

My thoughts and condolences go to Lora and the boys, and the family. Rest In Peace Stein, my good friend.

Svein

It is a measure of this forum, that we can miss, and mourn the passing of, a good friend.
Stein was that, and not just another poster on a forum. He will be missed, and He will be mourned.

To his family, may the strength of your faith carry you through the grieving time, to the beginning of a new direction in your journey through life. May your sadness be soon replaced by the comfort of your memories, and the finding of your new path, and new destinations.

He Steinjr,

we will think to you, your work and discussions. You will be missed here - rest in peace!

This is said news and I'm speechless.

I never met Stein,but,always admired his small layout plans.

Condolences to his wife,sons and family.

He will be missed.