As we all congregate in South Central PA this week, I can't help but remembering 2 great fellows who always added to my York experience......Owen Strum & Bill Parisi. Guys, I miss you! I'm sure many will agree....
Peter
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Agreed two great guys we miss!
Thank you Peter.
Yes, indeed Peter. When I was going through your photos of past York events, it was sad to see faces we no longer see, especially Owen and Bill. Owen was the one who convinced me to join the TCA and go to York. For that I am forever grateful.
Time is short my friends. Enjoy your friendships to the fullest.
Agreed. Owen was one of the few OGR Forum members that always made a point to call out my name to get my attention and come over to visit with me. I am racking my brain to come up with his forum name but can't remember it. Any help?
Dennis
dk122trains posted:Agreed two great guys we miss!
Ditto...
I was depressed for days after hearing about Owen.
Paulinskill for Owen I think.
Walter M. Matuch
You're correct, Walt.
I miss them both as well.
I say we raise a glass to all who no longer are with us when we gather Thursday night!
--Greg
Greg Houser posted:You're correct, Walt.
I miss them both as well.
I say we raise a glass to all who no longer are with us when we gather Thursday night!
--Greg
Agree completely.
Peter,
Thank you for this thread. Both wonderful guys.
Owen was at my house for a train night.
RIP
About 9PM......we should toast them Thursday night.
Peter
These were two of the first people who made me welcome in the OGR events. I remember Owen would always be excited to see me, and we would talk for quite a while whenever I'd see him.
I may not be a dinner, but I'll have a drink here at 9, in their memory.
Both great guy's and very much missed.
Putnam Division posted:About 9PM......we should toast them Thursday night.
Peter
Absolutely!
-Greg
Two gracious gentlemen who are dearly missed. It was always a treat to talk trains with those guys.
I only met Bill once for a few minutes when he was manning the OGR table at the local train show. He seemed like a real nice guy. Several times I talked at length to Owen at York and the NJ Hi-Railers. He really did have a way of making people feel welcome and he had a certain genuine quality about him when you talked to him. It is sad that we have lost these well loved members of our hobby.
How is Bear doing? I haven't seen him post in a while although I may have missed it.
Yes, good guys gone too soon!
For those who may not recognize them, Bill in the denim shirt in the first photo; Owen wearing his trademark cap in the middle photo.
Yes Sir, Really Fine Model Railroad Hobbiest, they are certainly missed. Great post, Great thoughts, Fond Memories.....Thursday night at 9, a moment of Prayer.Enjoy the York Meet.
I always think of them when I go to York. It's like I expect to run into them them in Orange Hall, yet they won't be there.
I see Western Pacific cars and always think "Owen would have liked that."
Scott Smith
I have some of Bill's schematics saved on my computer (crossing gate etc.) what happen? were they in a car accident or just their time to move on?
Bill passed away during a surgical procedure. Owen died from a tree felling incident after a freak Halloween snow storm.
Scott Smith
I remember talking with Bill at York right before his hospital stay. He was anxious to get the procedure done so he could get back to building his layout with his grandson. It's so sad.
scott.smith posted:I always think of them when I go to York. It's like I expect to run into them them in Orange Hall, yet they won't be there.
I see Western Pacific cars and always think "Owen would have liked that."
Scott Smith
A rare pic of Owen without his cap. That was a fun lunch at Clinton Station in Jersey.
I always enjoyed talking to Bill... wherever it was... York... Allentown... etc. A very congenial guy.
I apologize for not knowing as I have been "out of the loop" for awhile. Remembering Bill Parisi, we spoke at length at the Big E show in West Springfield one January. A very knowledgeable veteran who shared information freely. I learned a lot and for that I am deeply grateful. RIP Bill and Owen
Rick, SSG USA Ret.
Let's not forget Alan Ramsey ( Y6b Alan). Alan was one of the first folks I met from the forum.
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MartyE posted:Let's not forget Alan Ramsey ( Y6b Alan). Alan was one of the first folks I met from the forum.
Absolutely!
Peter
Peter, thank you for posting this. Both were good friends I have known.. They are missed.
I never had the pleasure of meeting either gentleman, but I think it is a class act to remember them on an ongoing basis. Another reason I like this hobby.
Paul
Of the two I only knew Owen. Owen was a warm, kind and decent man and when you ran into him at York, or at the museum, his strong handshake and the big hug that he gave my wife Paula was unmistakable. He always had a positive outlook, a cheerful attitude, a great sense of humor and a big smile on his face. He would attend York with his wife Mary and when he passed, we felt a terrible sense of loss. We really miss Owen but know that he is now with the good Lord. They don't come much better than him.
It was said that Owen Jr took over his layout but we have not heard anything about it recently.
