Ronald Douglas Grant passed away in Christchurch on 27 May 2022, aged 94. From a young age, Ron had a passion for trains. One Easter, his parents purchased him chocolate trains instead of the traditional Easter eggs. Rather than consume them he would proudly display them on his bookshelf. Unfortunately, his younger sister could not resist and would carefully remove the foil wrapping, consume a little and then wrap it back up. It took some time for Ron to realise that something was amiss. Ron spent his wholecareer with the Public Works Department and its successors - same firm, just different names. His father had pushed him into a premature entry at Canterbury University's School of Engineering. When graduating, he was the youngest ever to complete an engineering degree. He moved to Wellington and became an early member, number 42, of the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society. He spent most lunch hours perusing early records in the NZR Head Office library. Ron had an outstanding memory; he was able to recall small details, such as the reason for the circular "M" plate carried on the rear buffer of the first New Zealand Midland Railway's locomotive - at least 60 years later! At the time of his passing, he was the longest-serving member of the Society.
展开▼
