From a CRRM e-mail:
Approximately 175 friends from across the country gathered on a gloomy Saturday afternoon for a memorial service honoring Bob Richardson. It was a wonderful tribute to Bob's legacy and standing within the railfan community.
The weather was threatening throughout the afternoon but the storm held back until the service was finished. and everyone had gathered beneath the refreshment tents.
Ron Hill introduced the guest speakers and accepted checks for $1,000 from the Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec $2,000 from the Denver HO Club for the Bob Richardson Memorial 346 Fund. Bob and Don Shank presented the museum with the two engine hood doors to Goose #6. Pastor John Bengston from Augustana Lutheran church gave the opening prayer. Bob's nephew Rick Tyler, co - founder of the Colorado Railroad Museum Cornelius Hauck, longtime friends Gordon Chappell, CRRM Trustee Mike Davis, CRRM Trustee Lindsey Ashby, and Jim Ozment presented different perspectives and stories of Bob's life and the importance he had had in their own lives and on the preservation of narrow gauge railroad history. Local singer and member of the CRRM Roz Brown concluded the service with the old railroad tune "Life's Railway to Heaven".
The 346, which will be named the Robert W. Richardson, was parked on the turntable, and at the end of the service blew a long mournful whistle salute to Bob. Thanks to Dave Latimore for providing the sound system, and thanks to all the volunteers and staff who helped with the preparations and the wonderful cake and coffee reception that followed the service.
Donations can still be made to the Robert W. Richardson 346 Memorial Fund. We are approaching our restoration goal, but we need your help to make it happen. Be a part of this special project. All proceeds will go to final restoration of D&RGW No. 346. Please call the museum for information. 303-279-4591
Special thanks to Gordon Chappell for his donation of $2,500 to the Fund.
