Gidday Crandell, while the RIP Track may have been originally started for Diner Patrons who passed away, it soon became a memorial for all past Forum contributors.
While there have been no published criteria, there has been no suggestion of a popularity contest, either.
The only discussion in previous Diner conversations, has been as in the case of tomikawaTT Chuck, as to the members actual passing.
As far as I’m concerned, and I’d suggest I’d certainly be not on my own, any Forum Member who is aware that a fellow member has passed away can, and perhaps should, bring it to, at least, the Diners attention so that former member can be added to the RIP Track.
I say should, because on a personal note, too my embarrassment, I’m finding that I’ve missed notification of the passing of old friends/workmates, who, in recent years i only saw once in a blue moon, who I’d have liked to have paid my respects to their family members. A “faceless forum” comprising of a wide spread membership just exacerbates that problem.
If as you say twhite Tom has indeed passed away, I am sad to hear that. I enjoyed his posts especially his photos of his articulated locomotives “battling the grade”. But there would be no question of him being added to the Track.
I quite often wonder about forum members who have not posted for a while, but don't like to mention it in case I’m bringing the "kiss of death".
Regards and Cheers, the Bear.