There is a time when it's only right to reflect, look back and remember the friend or friends you've had. This time came to me in a phone call this morning. Sad news for sure. I learned from Steve Huether's son Rob that Steve had passed away of an apparent heart attack January 21, 2019. The only word I had and could use was "Dam." I was going to call him last night but from what I learned it would have been to late. Here is a tribute to Steve. Steve and his Wife Sue are the founders of the Big Bear Valley Model Railroaders. He would say "Not a club but a group". We will miss Steve and his ever presence at the functions, operations nights at John Acosta's home, Carl's Jr., San Diego and Eastern Model Railroad, Roundhouse Gang Swap Meets and much much more. He was a mentor to all he met and friend to all he knew. I don't think he ever met a stranger. Steve is survived by his wife Sue and his two sons Rob and Jeffrey and their families. Thanks Steve for all you were to all of us. Salute! You will be missed.
Here is a picture of Steve and John while attending operations night. John on the left and Steve on the right. The Gulf and Pacific Railroad, owned and operated by John Acosta. After giving John the sad news, he responded by sending me this picture. Steve in remembrance of all you brought and meant to our lives. It was fun while it lasted.
One more picture. This one is of Steve and I handling a local. Steve would man the throttle while I played switchman. Steve to the left and self to the right. Photo courtesy of John Acosta. I believe this picture was taken during our last operating session together, on John's, Gulf & Pacific Railroad. Sigh! There were times I was further away working on isolated spots on the layout. With others standing in between us blocking the line of sight. I'd use modified hand signals, much like the Rails. Holding my hand high over my head. Steve never had a problem reading them but I had to think ahead of the movement being made, to get it right. Primarily because we didn't want to damage John's equipment. Steve would say of those nights, "I enjoyed that." "Looking forward to the next time." As I was preparing to leave Big Bear to move to Nampa, ID. Steve haltingly asked, "You know what this means? "We won't be going over to John's anymore and I will miss that." My answer said slowly, "Me too." And then silence fell over the table as we contemplated the full impact of what was just said. Good bye good friend. May your soul rest in peace, may you be free to do the things you want, to fear nothing, suffering no more pain, to run freely and meet up with those train enthusiast who've gone before you. I won't be long behind you and I expect to get there and find the best train layout ever. Oh, but leave me something to do, you know how I like to build things. May we get to do it again...some day. Rick Howland
I've contacted and talked to all of the Bear Valley Model Railroaders and each one in their own way told stories expressing their memories of the fun we had together and how much we will miss Steve. So from your buddies and friends of the Bear Valley Model Railroaders, to you and the family that survives you. We will miss you and your wonderful sense of humor and laugh. As you read this, if you didn't know him, you missed out. Great guy! The epitome of a Model Railroader. I will share any condolences shared here with the family so feel free to participate here.
Thank you for the really nice write-up, Rick. Your sharing with us Steve's last words with you before you moved brought a tear to my eye. Many of us at Bear Valley Model Railroaders had nicknames, and we would good-naturedly would call Steve "Run 8" with his tendency at first to run trains a little on the fast side. It was always good to see him joining us on Tuesday evenings for Operations Night, and he had a favorite spot in the corner of the layout room where he could look down both aisles of the layout while Rick would be the brakeman, giving Steve hand signals. And from time to time a member would bring fresh-baked cookies, which we all enjoyed. He was a great guy, and always gently giving me a push to switch over to DCC (my layout is analog DC). We've been to his place and run his trains....damn I'm gonna miss seeing his smiling face around. Here's a photo from 2012 of some of the Bear Valley Model Railroaders with Steve on the far right. John
Rick- Condolences to you and all of his loved ones. Seems like quite a fellow. You were blessed to know such a man.
Yes, I was blessed as were all of us who knew him. It's been three days since I got the news Steve has passed. It still stings and I've never felt lonelier. As the reality of what's happened sets in and I think about what it all means. It marks the end of an era. Of good times shared, trips taken and fun sitting around each others layouts shooting the bull. A sad time for the guys and gals who participated as Bear Valley Model Railroaders. Steve did say, "I fear the end of the Bear Valley Model Railroaders is almost here." Premonition? Could be. I answered, "There will always be Bear Valley Model Railroaders." Adding, "Someone will pick-up the torch and carry it on." He responded, "I think your right, (a long pause) at least I hope so." We were getting together less due to health problems for all of us. It was hard to get the medical care we needed living in Big Bear Country. We had to drive for literally 100's of miles to get to specialists and emergency care was wanting. They saved my life when I checked into the local ER, heart attack in progress. Having retired as a mortician while working for a local mortuary, I can say unequivocally they couldn't save everyone. No specialist's on hand and the diagnostic tools have been less then. I and others found ourselves on board helicopters as we were choppered out. In some cases time is critical. For Steve, time...well...someone called him home. A fellow model railroader from the BVMR's asked, who's next? We've all talked about how things come in three's. Now I'm not superstitious but I have seen three family members die within weeks or months of each other. Wife dies and the husband comes through our doors within months. Three friends, three associates but I believe that's more of a coincidence then anything else. Just odd's, that sometimes plays out in this... numbered configuration. Just be prepared, so when the call to go home comes, your ready to go. Thank you to all who have participated here. Your kind comments and well wishes will be shared with his family. Now it's up to us to carry on. Sigh!!!
Fw: Rick thank you for a wonderful tribute to Steve, Suzanne Huether. Steve's dearest and better half.
Sad to hear this, he was showing some of his railroad items in another thread awhile back, cool stuff that most of us just dream of!! My condolences and prayers to his family and friends who got to hang out with him.
Sad news indeed. My condolences to you Rick, John, and the BVMR's. I only spoke to Steve a few times at shows and while a few of you visited my layout in Riverside quite a few years ago. He was a soft spoken big man with only good things to say.
I erred, my bad, when naming Steve's youngest son. His name is not Jeffrey but Jeremy. Steve was forever proud of his two sons, granddaughter and step grandchildren. To dishonor them by not remembering Jeremy's name is...well...embarrassing to say the least. My humblest apologies.
