Good afternoon All:
Those of us who use Atlas O products have likely worked with Len Deichman in York, PA. He and his wife Ann have run Deichman's Depot for over 20 years. He also dealt with MTH and Lionel, and was a fixture at the York shows in the Orange Hall. In recent years, it was always a pleasure to visit him. Most purchases I made from his came with a long chat in the warehouse about trains, life or whatever else was on his mind. Most of the track on the 300 Loft system came from him.
Len has had cancer for a number of years, but it has become very aggressive in recent weeks, and he is now doing very poorly. He was admitted to hospice this past Sunday (5/13) and I visited him this morning (5/15). He has a couple of days at the most, perhaps only hours. He can do little more then breathe, open his eyes and move an arm here and there. Pain management and comfort is now the priority.
Given the amount of business he typically does in a year, there are likely members on the forum who are waiting for information or orders to be filled. It will likely be several days, if not weeks, until the business begins to function somewhat normally again. Ann is pretty spry, but is on a cane herself, and I am not sure who all will be involved with the business after Len passes. She does not need people hollering at her that an order is late. I can assure you that placed orders will be filled, and she will return emails as she can. It is easy to see that she is worn out from all this, as the downturn in Len's health has been fairly rapid. In addition, she essentially did the York show by herself, (they are stubborn folk, as many railroad people are. 
) Most of all, I believe they were married over 40 years at least. Ann's life is radically changing, and she will obviously need time to process all of this.
After consulting with Alan, I felt it would be appropriate to let the group know what is going on. Len's son and daughter are in town helping Ann with various arrangements, and some other locals helping with home and business affairs. At this point they need patience from customers, and prayer for the major changes they both are facing. Thank you.
That is sad news!
I loved his special reefers from Atlas O. I hope things turn around for him and his family. IT would be really sad to see another O gauge icon fade away!
I believe he touched on many an O guager/Scaler with his specially run Atlas O cars. May the wind be at his back as he speeds down the track with all greens!
