Sadly, our Pioneer Valley Railroaders Group lost one of its founding members on April 23, 2020 due to complications from a stroke and Corona Virus infection. Dave Stewart was a victim of bad timing in that he had been hospitalized with the stroke back in mid-January. He eventually was placed in a nursing home where, after about two months, he tested positive for the virus.
We will remember Dave as a warm and giving friend with a great sense of humor. His family will remember him as more. He continued to work, serve, and provide for them by, among other endeavors, picking up a part-time job as a park ranger, selling model railroad products at numerous train shows, and running a business repairing and modifying railroad equipment (mostly locomotives) for other hobbyists, many of whom obtained his services via local hobby shops, Pioneer Valley Hobbies and Palmer Hobbies.
Photo taken at Dave’s layout in January
Here is a link to Dave’s obituary:
https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/name/david-stewart-obituary?pid=196094116
From John Sullivan:
As I remember Dave, I can’t help but to believe that his friendship and teachings as well as the fund times we spent together are gone. They will always remain in the minds of those who knew him. So I would propose that this be placed on the web site in his honor.
Poem:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamonds glint on snow.
I am the gentle autumn’s rain,
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uprising rush of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there I did not die.
Stephen Williams wrote:That is super sad to hear. He was such a nice guy.
Here is a video I had made of his layout the last time I was out there:– Steve
Jack Lauzon wrote:It’s was very sad to lose such great friend. It won’t be the same with out him. I don’t know if there be any memorial any time soon. Is there a chance we could a memorial of our own at the next trainz meeting… Jack Lauzon
Frank Dignan wrote:
A SAD DAY FOR THE HOBBY AND THE LOSS OF A GREAT FRIEND WILL MISS YOU DAVID..Frank Dignan
Lou Snow wrote:
So sad, will miss him,
Lou
Jason Fontaine wrote:
I only knew Dave for a short while and we quickly became friends. I will miss his passion for trains and his sense of humor. I’m glad our paths crossed.This picture was taken at my house in August 2019 at a group train operation night.“ Thanks for the great memories Dave! ”Jason
Ken Harstine wrote:
I do hope that there is a memorial service sometime in the future.This is the first Covid 19 case that has hit home for me. I hope it is the last.Best,Ken Harstine
Neil Gage wrote:
Very sad day.
He was a super guy.☹️🇺🇸
n.gage
Ray Fontaine wrote:Going to miss Dave he always had a good joke great guy.
John Ferrarone wrote:
Dave’s death is a real loss. He was always a breath of common sense. Like Ken, this is my first brush with a Covid 19 passing. It’s awful. John F
Dave Bachand wrote:
Condolences to allHe will be missed.Dave. B.
John “Brian” Cannon wrote:the loss of a good friend to so many! I will miss him!
Joe DiFabio wrote:A very sad day for all of us.I hope we can get together in his memory sometime soon.
Joe
Larry Gordon wrote:
He was such a nice guy, very kind and so much fun to be around. This world has lost an exceptional person.
Larry
Claus Schlund wrote:
Hi everyone,I was really hoping he would be coming back home. So sad I don’t have words.We all miss you Dave!Claus (still in Florida)
Model Train Operations 