It is with regret that the Illinois Railway Museum announces the passing of long-time board member and former president, Kevin McCabe, after a long illness.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 14, 2004, from 3 pm until 9 pm. A memorial service is scheduled for 8 pm.

Willams-Kampp Funeral Home
430 E. Roosevelt Rd.
Wheaton, IL
630-668-0016

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This saddens me.

I never met Kevin personally, but I considered him a friend through his many posts here on the Interchange and his contributions to the Briefs. Kevin was always quick to answer a question, share a best practice, or provide insight into IRM's policies and collections.

RyPN has lost a model member of our online community. IRM has lost a great member.

Back in 1999 I was a rookie volunteer at IRM (only my second working visit). I had come out to help prep 1630 for a day of running. I had no idea who Kevin was other than the fact he introduced himself as the engineer that day.

He handed me a grease gun along with an extra tube of grease and walked me thru every one of the 100 + fittings that needed lube. He took his time and answered all my basic rookie questions. I know I was slowing him down, but he made me feel welcome and want to come back often.

It was not until much later that day I found out he was the President of the museum. He had never mentioned it. That morning he was just the engineer sharing his knowledge with a rookie that dreams of becoming one.

As a student fireman, I did fire for Kevin on several occasions. He will be missed by all who knew him. For me, I will always remember that 1st day he took the time to teach a rookie and made that rookie want to be a part of IRM.

Mike Boehm