From the President: In Memoriam

Message from the President

Russell Hoyt (11/22/24) & Leroy Tripp (3/25/25)

It saddens me, as each year passes, that we find ourselves saying goodbye to yet another familiar face in the club. In this case, we mourn two longtime CVRTC members, Russell Hoyt and Leroy Tripp.

Both Russ and Leroy were part of what was known as the “Thursday Gang.” On any given Thursday, retired members Don Wendell, Bill Wheeler, Harry Thayer, Norm Yeaton, Dave Kotsonis, Leroy Tripp, and Russell could be found plying the rails of the Wolfeboro, tending to whatever project needed attention. Whether it was a set-off, culvert cleaning, track work, brush cutting, or simply riding the rails for the day, they shared an enduring commitment to both the railroad and their friendships. The afternoon break always included a stop at the Miss Wakefield Diner, where conversations continued—about the day’s work and days gone by.

For me, as a younger man, there was always something special about the Thursday Gang—a group of gentlemen, long removed from their day-to-day working lives, coming together each week to connect, reminisce, and enjoy each other’s company.

Russell and Leroy both served CVRTC as members of the Board of Directors and as officers of the club. Before we acquired our current tractor and sickle bar, we used a sickle mower built by Roger Hartford and Ellis Dow of OVSC to maintain the line. It was a two-man operation. For many years, Leroy was my right-hand man, working the controls while I handled the ground work. I could always count on Leroy to answer the call when the line needed mowing and to see the job through to completion.

It is important for our membership to recognize the many longtime members who once stood where newer members stand today, and to understand the role they played in building what we now enjoy. There was a time, 35 years ago, when this line was nothing more than a vision—eight feet wide and eleven miles long.

Thank you both for all you gave to CVRTC. Your presence will be deeply missed. The markers are hung.