The hobby and TTOS lost a great ambassador today. For many of us, also a friend.
Steve Eastman
To all TTOS members and friends of Brian Fields...
It is with sorrow that I must tell you that Brian passed away this morning, May 4th. He had been in the hospital for a few months and was moved to hospice earlier this week with his brothers and sister at his side.
Brian was an active member of TTOS serving fellow members in a variety of ways: President of Southern Pacific Division, President of TTOS National, co-chairman of the 2000 Long Beach (Queen Mary) convention, chairman of the 2006 Costa Mesa convention, and volunteer at many other train shows. He also enjoyed operating layouts as member of the Orange County Tinplate Trackers, monthly meet operator of our small layouts, and had the benefit of a home layout in a spare bedroom. Brian was always ready for a roadtrip and the lore of the chase - chasing real trains across southern California.
As a profession, Brian repaired BMW cars and was crew chief for Mazdatrix Racing...rebuilding motors, transmissions, and making repairs. There wasn't a race he didn't like to watch. In fact, Bill and Diane took taped episodes of races to Brian while he was in the hospital.
As he often said, "Toy trains is a hobby, but racing is a passion".
The family will hold private services; TTOS-SP will arrange a memorial gathering a future date to celebrate Brian's life, achievements and service to others.
J Keeley, SP President
