Joe Eggy Death, Obituary – We are still trying to come to terms with the awful news that our friend and colleague Joe “Eggy” Eggleston lost away as a consequence of a tragic accident that occurred when he was hiking over the weekend. The accident took place over the weekend, and it was very unfortunate. Our greatest condolences go out to his friends and family, as well as to his wife Kelly, who also served as a brakeman. Our condolences go out to her. Eggy, who has suffered from severe hearing loss from childhood but has been able to live a life of grace despite it, once said to us, “where else could a deaf guy fulfill his goal of operating a steam locomotive?”
Eggy has lived a life of grace despite his severe hearing loss. (In what other setting would it be possible for a deaf man to realize his ambition of operating a steam locomotive?) Anyone who has ever worked a shift beside him or even just spent a minute in his company could not help but notice how passionate he was about The Cog. Yesterday, Train Master Andy Villaine delivered a speech about the passing of this magnificent man and genuine Cogger, and he spoke for all of us when he said the following: “Those whose lives were changed as a result of Eggy’s influence will never forget the friendly smile he always wore or the fervor with which he approached his work.
It was an honor for me to share a cab with him and I consider it a privilege to have done so. These mountains, which he held in such high regard, will always and for all time serve as his domicile permanently. Gone too soon, never forgotten. Because of some unknown factor, the sound of that whistle will forever echo off these mountains in your head.” I pray that you, Joe, find the serenity you seek.