Railroaders place to shoot the shit.

As the most senior locomotive engineer on the line, Bill operated most of the trains and helped to instruct new engineers in the art of train handling. He held the position, in railroad terms, of DSLE (Designated Supervisor of Locomotive Engineers) at the railroad.

Seemingly always around the railroad, Bill served on the board of directors, maintained the fleet of diesel-electric locomotives, helped with track maintenance, and did any job necessary to keep things running as perfectly as possible.

Bill suffered a massive stroke in August of 2008, and after six months of struggle against its effects, finally passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 14, 2009 at 68 years of age.

One of his final requests was to have his ashes placed on the New Hope Valley Railway so he could always hear the trains.

On Saturday, March 7, that request was honored by his family and friends with a special funeral train to carry Bill to rest on the railroad he loved so much.

Anyone having been a member of the train or depot crews at the New Hope Valley Railway over the last two decades knew Bill. He always had a smile and a joke for everyone, and although some of the jokes were corny, everyone enjoyed them.

He was inducted into the Order of the Rusty Spike, the groups highest honor, earlier this year.

The train carrying Bill on his last run departed the Bonsal Depot at 2:00 p.m., and made its way slowly over the entire line.

The cars were all filled with family, friends, and fellow railroaders, most in their operating uniforms and/or work clothes as a way to honor the memory of their fallen friend.

Then the train continued on its slow journey back towards Bonsal, making one stop at a special place along the track.

There, with Minister Arthur Peterson and organization president M. Gray Lackey presiding, Bills ashes were gently laid to rest next to the track. Some of those aboard paid their own respects and tributes to him as well before the train moved off to return everyone to Bonsal.

The spot where Bill now rests is known to the crews of the New Hope Valley Railway, and out of respect, they may not make the precise location public. Still, the next time you ride the railroad, you may hear the locomotive whistle blow softly at a point seemingly out of place for the sound. That will be the engineer letting Bill know the railroad is still running, and he can always hear the trains.

(This item appeared in the Apex Herald March 12, 2009.)