I'm sad to report that the former Strasburg RR Vice President for Administration Ellis R. Bachman passed away yesterday morning after a brief illness. Ellis's affiliation with the Strasburg extended back to the late 50's when the SRC started up as a tourist carrier. Over the years Ellis worked his way up through the ranks as a shop mechanic (he was the last person to operate Camelback No. 4 in May 1967) to ticket agent to the administraive side of the house. Ellis was also a funeral home director in Strasburg, which was billed as the "oldest family-run funeral home in the U.S.," dating back to the 1700s. He was also active the Friends of the RR Museum for many years, serving as Treasurer and as a board member; he is pictured as the attired conductor on the opening page at rrmuseumpa.org. Although he retired with 32 years of SRC service in 1995, most recent he served on the SRC board as Corporate Secretary. He will be sorely missed.

K.R. Bell

http://rrmuseumpa.org

I am so sorry to hear this news. As a simple railfan, and admirer of the Strasburg Rail Road since the late 60's, I remember seeing him, seeing pictures of his and of him. Most recently, as part of the Friends of The Railroad Museum, I have read about him in MILEPOST. He will be missed by all. It is a great loss to the Strasburg, The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, and the entire railfan community. May he rest in peace.

Paul