Our Friend Errol
B. Ohman
"The Old
Man"
It
is said that it is a blessing to have a buddy as we go
through life. And if we are really lucky, we get to have them
in our lives for years. Nothing is forever but friends come
closest. Errol was a friend to us all.
He was a great engineer and never hesitant to share his
knowledge with whomever asked a question. He had a wonderful
sense of humor that could set us all to laughing. He had
tremendous life experience that could quickly settle a disagreement.
His years of experience working for the
Southern Pacific had taught him alot about the many facets of
railroading and he always was happy to share his
experience with others. He would complain with a
smile sometimes that he spent his whole Saturday walking the
yard dealing with "Hey Errol" questions and never had a chance to pick
up a wrench. Like all great
teachers, he was happiest when his pupils
took his teachings and continued to learn and
grow. Errol had a way of encouraging, mentoring and
empowering young volunteers which has led to many younger
volunteers staying in the PLA.
His passing on 5/27/2012 leaves a void that can never be filled with anything but memories. Fortunately for those he leaves behind, there are plenty of them. His memory lives on in the many PLA volunteers he has taught, mentored, shared advice with and left happy with his easy going good humor.
His passing on 5/27/2012 leaves a void that can never be filled with anything but memories. Fortunately for those he leaves behind, there are plenty of them. His memory lives on in the many PLA volunteers he has taught, mentored, shared advice with and left happy with his easy going good humor.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
David Loyola: "I'll sure miss Errol. He really was the Grandfather I never had, and am honored to have been able to work with, learn from and know such a great man."
Charles Franz: "When I first started coming out to the Canyon, I had to describe Errol to my parents and I distinctly remember the description I gave. Never in my life have I met somebody who smiled so much. Happy, sad, excited, angry or frustrated ... it didn't matter. He always had the biggest grin on his face. I'll remember that most."
Jim Green: "Thank you for posting the photos. I miss Errol a lot already. Errol was always someone to go to for advice. He really loved the railroad."
Gerald Dewitt: " I will always remember him saying, 'I could have told ya that' in that fatherly way he had." Another of his classic sayings was, "that's not how we used to do it on the Espee".
Howard Wise: "Errol and I were partners in the SP 5623 for 20 years. We never had an argument or even a disagreement. There was never a reason. I was always proud to say that he was my friend."
Henry Baum: "There was one thing I could always count on from Errol, encouragement. Errol knew what it was to lead and be responsible and he knew that encouragement is the fuel for most endeavors. That support made it possible to continue on when logic and emotion said to cut and run. And for that, he earned my most valuable tribute - respect. His passing will leave a huge void in the PLA."
Karen Kadaja: "I have known Errol but a mere four plus years and what a charismatic person he was. He took me under his tutorial wing and taught me so much more than 'railroad stuff'. His kindness, his upbeat demeanor, his ability to stay strong and stay the course, the way he taught without preaching, he will leave an indelible mark on all who were blessed to have crossed paths with him. He always spoke of Carol and his family. Such a loving energy would come over him when he spoke of them. Errol, you touched our hearts, our spirits and are leaving us with a priceless legacy, that in having shown us what a true gentleman is. You are missed."