Kim Sumner-Mayer
So sad to hear of Tip’s passing, and awed to read his obituary and realize what a full, wonderful life this humble man lived. Tip welcomed my son Eli and me into the old Newburgh model railroad club When Eli was just seven or eight years old, and impulsive. Tip was incredibly kind and patient with Eli, and Eli was so proud when Tip allowed him to use the foam cutter, and taught him how to switch tracks, replace trucks, and fix hitches on his trains. He could have been dismissive Of what many other adults saw as an annoyance, but instead he was welcoming, And encouraged my son’s passion. His passion is no longer model trains, as Tip sadly predicted would happen as he grew older, but my son and I both retain such warm memories of how Tip nurtured his interest and role-modeled being a mentor. Make Tip’s memory be for a blessing.
