Legendary author and historian Ted Wurm, 85, died peacefully Tuesday at
home in Oakland of old age . A prolific author who wrote a number of
railroad books including "Narrow Gauge to the Redwoods", centered
around the old North Pacific Coast narrow gauge in Marin and Sonoma
Counties. However, he is probably best known for his best selling
book, co-written with Al Graves, "Crookedest Railroad in the World",
the story of the Mt. Tamalpias and Muir Woods Railroad that connected
the NWP and Mill Valley with the summit of 2600 ft. Mt. Tam in Marin
County. He also wrote, "Hetch-Hetchy and Its Dam Railroad", and
"Silver Short Line", about the Virgina and Truckee Railroad,
co-authored with the Late Harre Demoro and "Mallets in Mendocino". Mr.
Wurm was born in San Francisco in 1919. His life long interest in
railroading stems from his early visits to the Virginia and Truckee
Railroad in the 1930's. During his lifetime, Ted was an accountant,
book and newspaper editor as well as a lecturer on history and
railroads in his later years. He was also an accomplished marathon
runner for many years and our paths crossed frequently during races in
Marin County in the late 1970's and early 80's. He was a member of a
number of historical and railroad oriented groups. He leaves his wife,
Betty, whom he was married to for 60 years and four adult children.
His family will have a celebration of his life at St. Leo Great Church
at 176 Ridgeway Ave. In Oakland on April 16th at l pm. His daugher
Elizabeth asks that attendees dress causally.

Written and submitted by Meteorologist Mike Pechner (Mike Pechner is the Weather Reporter at KCBS Radio in San Francisco, Official Donner Weatherman for the UP, and a rail fan extrodinairre)



fwsturke@pacbell.net