Last week I was honoured to attend the funeral for Ken Barwise. The biggest, bravest, most gentle SOB in the whole world! Ken was an long time model railroader in the Vancouver area and an active member of the Penticton and Peachland Model railway clubs. He gave up a huge collection on N scale items some years ago but held onto all his HO stuff, "...for when I get some more room in this garage". That big garage, and the beginnings of an extensive back yard, were being filled with G scale trains up until a purchase of a big CNR Pacific just three weeks ago. As late as 10 days ago, knowing he had only a 50/50 chance of getting out of this latest operation alive, he was building Free-Mo modules, running G scale Shays inside and measuring for track along the back fence. Through everything, he never missed a weekly Central Okanagan Railway Company (Peachland club) meeting and was the only member allowed to move "Meeting adjourned" so he could get on upstairs and run trains. The Peachland group has moved that we offer a bursary in Ken's name. This will go to a young Peachland resident who is a member of Army, Navy or Airforce cadets and wishes to continue his education after high school. Meeting adjourned Ken. Meeting adjourned.
Dave |