RIP John Norwood

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Early yesterday morning Sept. 6 one of the most colorful employees of the D&RGW RR passed away at age 93 -- John B. Norwood, Jr., author of several books about the Rio Grande (usually published by Heimburger House -- and 2 are still listed available at Colo. RR Museum). He began a 37-yr. career on the D&RGW in 1937 as a telegrapher on the narrow gauge and went on to become its dispatcher, Trainmaster and Superintendent. He eventually rose to Ass't. VP and Ass't to President Gus Aydelott, representing the RR's interests during numerous hearings when several western RRs were consolidated to form the BN. When the Silverton branch washed out in Sept. 1970 John personally hiked the line from Rockwood to Silverton to inspect the damage for the president. Perhaps unknown to some, John was also a chef, and he always felt he was "born too late." Why? He wished to be a trail boss, guiding the first wagon trains across frontier America. His funeral is 3 p.m. Thurs. Sept. 11, Vista Verde Cemetery, Meadowlark Blvd., Rio Rancho, N.M.