On December 13, 2000 my father, Billy Hollingsworth, passed away of an apparent heart attack. Dad had been in failing health for the last two years or so, suffering from many of the effects of advanced age and a life long heart problem. Fortunately all of his children were able to be with him to celebrate his 81st birthday on June 18, 2000 which also fell on Father's Day. Dad had a lifelong love affair with trains, especially steam locomotives, which started as a young man when he was almost hired by the Pennsylvania Rail Road as a fireman. As a child I remember many weekend trips to the Cajon Pass Summit and Tehachapi Loop in California to photograph and just watch the trains going by. In later years he was able to make many trips on rail fan excursions which featured restored locomotives pulling trips specially for steam enthusiasts. Dad had left instructions that his remains were to be cremated and the ashes scattered "somewhere close to the rails where the trains run". As the enclosed obituary states he leaves Mom, his wife of 62 years, his children and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren and a few great great grandchildren behind. Though we mourn his passing for the fact we will miss his presence, we celebrate his life and accomplishments and know he waits for us in a better place than this mortal realm. A few weeks before his passing Dad told my youngest brother, Mark, not to be sad at his going because he had lived a good long life and knew he had the love and respect of his family. His children are happy that Mom and Dad had the opportunity for a long retirement and were able to travel and see many things and places that they enjoyed and make new friends all over the country. He will be missed by many. |
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