05-12-2011, 02:06 PM
To Jenna and her son Cayden, and to all of biL's extended family, I extend my heartfelt condolences on his too-early passing.
It's difficult for me to convey my sense of loss for a friend whom I had never met in person, but that feeling of loss is, nonetheless, very real. I first encountered biL over on the Model Railroader Forum less than two years ago, but our frequent exchanges of e-mails lead quickly to a true friendship and I was hoping to visit him in-person this coming summer.
When I first introduced biL to Big Blue, he was somewhat dissatisfied with the MR Forum, and somewhat surprised by the friendly attitude here. I don't know if it was because he and I were becoming more comfortable with one another or if it was simply because of the warm welcome he received here, but biL seemed to blossom here. He sometimes remarked about feeling somewhat isolated from the model railroading community until joining Big Blue and often thanked me for inviting him to join us. When he mentioned the Scale Rails Model Railroad Club in North Fort Myers, Florida, I encouraged him to check it out, too, and I know that he was very pleased to be accepted there as a member. It was very satisfying to see his passion for modelling rekindled simply by joining these two groups.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the warm welcome you proffered and for your kind words of sympathy here.
In addition to being an accomplished modeller, biL was very generous with his accumulated knowledge, yet always eager to learn new techniques. He had a fulfilling career in design, an enduring interest in automobiles, and a passion for his country, but above all, a pride and love for his daughter Jenna and her son Cayden. He lived a full life, even though it was cut much too short. I am grateful to have known him. Rest in peace, my friend.
Wayne
It's difficult for me to convey my sense of loss for a friend whom I had never met in person, but that feeling of loss is, nonetheless, very real. I first encountered biL over on the Model Railroader Forum less than two years ago, but our frequent exchanges of e-mails lead quickly to a true friendship and I was hoping to visit him in-person this coming summer.
When I first introduced biL to Big Blue, he was somewhat dissatisfied with the MR Forum, and somewhat surprised by the friendly attitude here. I don't know if it was because he and I were becoming more comfortable with one another or if it was simply because of the warm welcome he received here, but biL seemed to blossom here. He sometimes remarked about feeling somewhat isolated from the model railroading community until joining Big Blue and often thanked me for inviting him to join us. When he mentioned the Scale Rails Model Railroad Club in North Fort Myers, Florida, I encouraged him to check it out, too, and I know that he was very pleased to be accepted there as a member. It was very satisfying to see his passion for modelling rekindled simply by joining these two groups.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for the warm welcome you proffered and for your kind words of sympathy here.
In addition to being an accomplished modeller, biL was very generous with his accumulated knowledge, yet always eager to learn new techniques. He had a fulfilling career in design, an enduring interest in automobiles, and a passion for his country, but above all, a pride and love for his daughter Jenna and her son Cayden. He lived a full life, even though it was cut much too short. I am grateful to have known him. Rest in peace, my friend.
Wayne