Very sorry to hear about Fred's passing, great guy.
Joe
As others have mentioned in their posts, I knew Fred Dole neither as “Mr. Dole” or “Fred.” I knew him as “Rev. Dole” or “Lieutenant Dole,” or simply as “Ted.” We met in 1986 when I moved to Colchester (CT). In addition to a prolific and gifted photographer, Ted was also a volunteer fireman, MRT, pump operator and first responder. He was also the minister of the church across the street from the firehouse, making him the de facto driver of the first due engine for most responses- and the fire chaplain as well. Ted welcomed my wife and I into his church, and he and Edie were the first babysitters of our eldest daughter back in ‘88-90 or so. That daughter was featured by “Fred M. Dole” on the subscription renewal cards that were stapled into O Gauge Railroading long before one could even imagine renewing a subscription online. I last saw Ted in Nov-2015 and we enjoyed a stroll down memory lane together- topics from photography to trains to fire apparatus to faith. Ted was a remarkable man, and all who knew him were blessed by him. That said, behind every such man is one incredible woman. Ted & Edie always reminded me that oft-quoted line from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” --- Ted may have been the head of the household, but Edie was the neck- often pointing Ted’s head in the right direction. To Edie and family, please know you remain in our prayers.
Just this morning I was reading a 2008 train article about Fred's layout...he was faithfully reproducing a town from Frank Ellison's Delta Lines, complete with original buildings from that famous layout - very enjoyable. I have OGR and OSR magazines dating back to the 1980s and Fred's contributions the hobby cannot be over-stated - his photographs and write-ups captured the essence of layouts and model railroading.
Weaver Guy,
I agree 100%! This is happening way to often now, our generation is fading badly.
PCRR/Dave
