Unfortunately I will be the bearer of this news, but I received word that RYPN moderator (and personal friend) Kevin GIllespie has passed away last night in his sleep after a battle with pneumonia. As anyone who met Kevin can tell you, he was passionate about history and a great gentlemen.

I'm sure there will be a follow up with arrangements for any services when they are made.

Tom.

Wow! His last post was only 3 days ago.

I just talked with him last night. I knew he was in bad health, but the message came as a shock.

I enjoyed many exchanges with Kevin. I am greatly saddened to learn of his passing.

Since it was an important part of his life up to the last days, I shall post a photo of him at his last "public" event, induction into the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus last week (and one of the few times he was not in a kilt in a formal setting). He was also a member of the St. Andrews Society of Baltimore, a Scottish-American fraternal organization. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Suzanne. I will be most happy to transfer messages of condolences; send to me at LNER4472 --at--verizon daught net .

Just added: A photo of him at the B&O Museum Volunteers Appreciation Dinner on March 25th. More appropriate, if you ask me.






Facebook page for those besides me who might be on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30653775&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=2204401370&aid=-1&oid=2204401370&id=1362847677#!/profile.php?id=1362847677

While Kevin and I had never met face to face, as fellow RYPN moderators, we had passed more than a few messages back and forth over the last few years, keeping our brethern RYPN'ers "in check".

His perspectives, observations, and rememberances will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace friend, you are already missed.

wow, Kevin and I have been facebook friends for a long time, although we'd rarely find time to chat online. I've been "meaning to" get up to Baltimore and meet him in person for some time now. This saddens me greatly. :(

Very sad, Thanks for posting this. I called the volunteer coordinator who was not aware. He will be missed by his fellow B&O Volunteers...

Even here in the west, Kevin's input/efforts on this board were appreciated. His 'voice' will be sorely missed.

Condolences to family and friends sharing in their grief at this time and at this time of Easter, a prayer for the Comforter to bless them in this time of sorrow.

sc 'doc' lewis

Oh my--what a shock on a lovely Spring morning. Railroad preservation has lost a good friend, RyPN has lost a good friend, and Maryland has lost that rarest and most valuable thing, a generous and civic-minded neighbor, volunteer and citizen. My sincerest condolences to his family.

I'll pass along information I received about Kevin's arrangements:



Please forward as appropriate. We hope as many as possible might be able to attend. To date I have not found an obituary notice in either the Baltimore Sun or the Washington Post newspapers.

Kevin Gillespie Funeral Services and Interment

The family requests that St. Andrew’s Society members wear kilts, daywear.
There will be no funeral home viewing
Services will be: Friday, 9 April 2010 11:00 a.m.


St. Louis Catholic Church
12500 Route 108
Clarksville, MD
Ph 410-531-6040


Interment will follow the funeral at:


Gate of Heaven Cemetery
13801 Georgia Ave
Silver Spring, MD
Ph 301-871-6500

I, too, was saddened and shocked to learn on Saturday, April 3, of Kevin's death the day before. I had to preach an Easter sermon the next morning and did so under a cloud of sorrow. I had been in contact with Kevin since 1998, off and on, and met him once in September, 2001 when we visited the Illinois Railway Museum together. We had been in contact again only recently, with several emails and phone calls, and it was Kevin who re-acquainted me with RYPN. Our prayers are with Sue and other members of Kevin's family. -- Dr. Richard Leonard

I will be in attendance tomorrow on behalf of RyPN.

If you're attending and wish to introduce yourself in a friendly manner, I'll be wearing a "1361" belt buckle.

If you're attending and wish to berate, insult, and harangue me, I'll be wearing a kilt. >:-)

Thank you for representing us, Alexander. I'll be keeping Kevin in my thoughts tomorrow. I'm fairly certain from the quality of his character that our prayers will not be required to get him where he is going next.

-Brian

I received this message from Kevin's wife Sue this morning, and thought I woulld share it with you:

"Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. Kevin had a good send off with the St. Andrews Society and the Knights of Columbus. I know he would have loved it. Sandy Mitchell from Railroad Preservation News was there. Please continue to stay in touch."

Regards...