Edward A. Lewis 1942 - 2015

Alan Maples · **Posted:** Fri Nov 13, 2015 3:42 pm

Ed Lewis, a veteran of the short line railroad industry and a well known author and photographer, has died. His railroad career spanned 45 years and included terms at Long Island RR, Arcade & Attica RR, Providence & Worcester RR, Strasburg RR and Lamoille Valley RR. He served as president of the Aberdeen & Rockfish RR from 1987 until his retirement in 2007. Ed was a well-respected leader in the short line railroad industry and authored several publications including “The American Shortline Railway Guide”, “The Road of Personal Service – A Centennial History” (co-authored with Jim Wrinn) and “Wellsville, Addison & Galeton Railroad – The Sole Leather Line”. His photos of short lines have appeared in many publications.

When I joined the railroad industry over thirty years ago Ed was "Mr. Short Line" and was one of the first to reach out and make me feel welcome. I felt honored to count him as a friend. He will be missed.

- Alan Maples

R.L.Kennedy · **Joined:** Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:37 pm **Posts:** 242

I knew Ed when he was General Manager of the A&A during the early years of their steam operation when I had my PRR 4666 doodlebug there. A quiet easy going man whom I respected. Lost contact for decades but thought of him from time to time. Never forgot him

R.I.P.

Raymond Kennedy

Dave Crosby · **Posted:** Fri Nov 13, 2015 7:32 pm

That is sad to hear. I only met him once, a real gentleman. Ironically I just picked up a copy of his book, "The Do Lines" at an antique store and hoped I'd have the chance to ask him to sign it someday.

Dave

G. W. Laepple · **Joined:** Mon Aug 23, 2004 5:10 pm **Posts:** 1182

Ed was a real prince. He was always ready to offer encouragement, opinion and advice when I was in the short line railroad business. I'll miss him.

thebigham · **Joined:** Sun Jul 14, 2013 3:46 pm **Posts:** 261

Awful news.

Ed wrote books on some of my favorite railroads: A&A, StJ&LC and WAG.

Mr. Lewis' WAG book is available here in a pdf. file:

http://www.alleganyhistory.org/culture/ ... rd-a-lewis

1702 · **Posted:** Fri Nov 13, 2015 9:43 pm

Ed's obit here http://tinyurl.com/nzzrvr9

Jim Tatum

Bartman-TN · **Joined:** Tue Jul 02, 2013 10:45 pm **Posts:** 332

Sad news...I hadn't seen or talked to Ed in a year or so. He and his stories will be missed.

tom moungovan · **Posted:** Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:39 am

While we never met face to face, we both happened to bid on the same pass on eBay.

Turned out that I was high bidder and he later contacted me and asked if I'd consider parting with it as it was one that he did not have. I figured it meant more to him than I, so I accepted his offer of a trade.

In the package that he sent, he was kind enough to include a 2nd pass, that one was of another welcome short line and made out to me. A most thoughtful gesture.