Railwatch 077 - October 1998

Obituaries

Thanks a million, Reg

By Trevor Garrod

The society's first administrative officer Reg Snow has died.

He tackled the job with energy and enthusiasm, providing efficient service to the elected officers and national executive, and bringing his own ideas on how the society - then at only 40% of its present size - could be made more effective.

Reg was multi-skilled before that term became a buzz-word. His activities ranged from handling membership enquiries to despatching Railwatch.

A former civil servant, he organised our national draw, produced a Rail Strategy for Surrey, printed minutes, and represented RDS on outside bodies.

His involvement in RDS went beyond the immediate call of duty, serving on the Reopenings and New Railways Committee and other committees.

Since standing down as administrative officer in 1994 after eight years in the post, Reg had not enjoyed good health, but, despite mobility problems, he continued to take a keen interest in RDS affairs.

It is with deep sadness that we record his death on 16 July.

Many of us enjoyed the hospitality of Reg and his wife Mollie when we attended meetings at his house in Great Bookham, Surrey. Trevor Jones and I were privileged to attend Reg and Mollie's Golden Wedding celebrations in May this year.

The guest list reflected many other voluntary organisations in which Reg and Mollie were involved.

We shall have abiding memories of someone who was not just an exceptional colleague, but also a valued friend.

Everyone who worked with him, owes him a great debt. The society was represented at Reg's cremation by Ian and Jean Crighton of the London and South East branch and vice chairman Ray King. Donations in his memory have been sent to the Sir Harry Secombe Ward at St Helier Hospital.

Robert Wakefield

It was with sadness that we learned of the death in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, on 18 June of Robert Wakefield, a longstanding member of the East Anglian branch.

Robert served on the RDS reopenings and new railways committee and, as a professional railwayman, was able to give valuable specialist information and advice. Indeed, he was due to lead a workshop at the National Reopenings Conference which took place two days after his death.

A donation to charity has been made in his memory. Steve Wilkinson and other members of the East Anglian Branch represented the society at his funeral.

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