EDWARD M. DeROUIN

Please accept my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy for what has happened. I only learned of your loss yesterday.

I have always greatly enjoyed Ed's work as a railroad historian and writer. In fact, it was his book "Moving Mail and Express by Rail" which inspired me to pen a recent column. The piece, entitled "Getting over it," was posted to the Progressive Railroading blog site only two days before his passing.

If it might help to see just one way Ed's knowledge...

Dear Barb,
It was a shock today to hear about Ed's passing in Al's Hobby Shop - I was in Elmhurst for four days visiting my son. Although our physical locations made it difficult to get together, I have always considered you special friends and enjoyed the correspondence and occasional visits when I'm in town. Jeannie and I extend our prayers and our sympathy to you and your family in this time. Ed was a man of many talents and a truly kind and gentle man.

Dave and Jeannie...

I knew Ed from the fitness classes we attended together in Geneva. Since he was the only male in a class full of women, he always said something that made us laugh! He was such a good sport and I know we will really miss him and his pleasant disposition. I send my condolences and pray that he rests in God's loving arms.

I just found out about Ed's passing and am so saddened. I would like to share another side of Ed...his passion for exercise. He faithfully attended my Pilates and Turbo Kick classes for 4 years. I appreciated Ed's dedication, humor, intelligence and clever wit--he was always a perfect gentleman and a delight to have in class. When he often spoke of his family, this much was obvious: He adored his wife, Barb; was so proud of his children; and crazy about his grandchildren. His integrity...

Barb and Family:

I never met Ed, but I purchased his book on the Chicago Union Station. What a great book! A great historian has been silenced. I wish I would have met Ed.

I am a retired NP-BN-BNSF Clerk from Northtown (Minneapolis).

To Barb and the DeRouin family:
Ed was a font of information for the rail preservation and fan communities, always fun to speak with and was a gentleman to all. If there are railroads in the hereafter, Ed no doubt is getting acquainted. He will be missed.

I met Ed at Chicago South in 1991 when he was manager of the operating group.Later Ed took the managers position in Libertyville. Ed helped me get the supervisors job there and I am so grateful to this day for what he did for me. He was a good person and I will never forget him for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.

My condolences and sympathy to the family of Ed DeRouin. Ed was my friend and will be missed. Rest in Peace.

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.