Farewell Bob, and have a safe trip.
I first met Bob in 1967 when I started volunteering at the Colorado Railroad Museum. Bob was eccentric, iracsable, controversial, and one helluva lot of fun to hang around with. He was full of stories about the Narrow Gauge, the people that he had met in his life and railroads in general. Time spent with him was enjoyable and educational.
As has been pointed out by others, he started a preservation idea (dare I say movement) that snowballed and was felt not only in Colorado, but in California, Hawaii and all across this country. He was the leader, even though he never saw himself that way.
It was told around the Museum that Bob turned down a full set of San Juan equipment from the D&RGW. The Railroad was going to give it to him if he dropped his opposition to the Train's abandonment petition. Bob believed in the Narrow Gauge and in Passenger travel that much. This small incident speaks volumes, whether it was true or not, it is a good illustration of Bob's devotion to this hobby cum vocation.
The last time that I saw him was at the Narrow Gauge Convention in Denver. He remembered me and asked me how my job was on the UP. He also recounted putting together LaBelle kits when he was quite a bit younger. Not bad for a man over 90 years old. I just hope that if I live to that age that my mind remains in that good a shape.
Well Bob, you got all highballs and Clear Blocks now. Enjoy the ride and make sure the coffee's hot when the rest of us get there.
Rick Steele