The Passing of a Trackside Friend

Bob Hughes, who has been an active supporter and contributor to The Trackside Photographer from the very beginning, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2020, after a long illness.

When I launched the site in March, 2016, I published the first article and sent out an email to about seventy writers and photographers explaining the purpose of The Trackside Photographer and asking for submissions. Bob replied that same day: “Count me in!” he said, and we published the first piece by Bob, “Built to Last,” on March 24. Thirteen more excellent stories followed, and he turned in his last article, “A Lifetime Love of Trains” on August 22, 2019.

Bob became interested in the railroad while attending college and hanging around the Maine Central’s Waterville yard (see A Maine Central Education). He later worked on the New Haven (Best Job in the World) for nine years before embarking on a career in magazine printing and production.

Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeing Bob in person, but we emailed often and talked on the phone from time to time. His support and enthusiasm for The Trackside Photographer was a tremendous encouragement to me, and I counted Bob as a treasured friend. I know that there are many within the railroad community who will mourn this loss. He will be missed.

Edd Fuller, Editor