'I have come to ride with you ... one last time': For Dan Ranger

Steam locomotive authority, author, and railroader Dan Ranger, a friend and mentor to me since 1973, passed away last December. On Monday, his birthday, several of us who knew him well gathered for a celebration-of-life ride on the regular excursion train at the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad. We were there as Dan’s wife, Karen, spread his ashes on the trip across Cumbres Pass. After we returned, I wrote this for Dan.

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I have come to ride with you, old friend, one last time on rails we both consider hallowed. As you and I would want, the power is steam. We will go out together, but you will remain here. You will become a part of this mountain railroad that you knew and loved so well. You poured your life, your sweat, and your energy into this railroad. Now, you will join with the rails, the spikes, the ties, the rock, the culverts, tunnels, and bridges that make up the line — an everlasting bond between the past and the present, a connection between the people we knew and loved who have passed this way and the living.

You will stay and make this your home. And what a home it is.

You will feel the thunder of the trains as they struggle up grade. You will feel the hesitance of the wheels as they brake down hill. Soot will flavor the air with your favorite perfume. Every hand on the throttle, injector, coal scoop, or brake valve will have your hand there, too. You will be there to coax the crews onward to the top, and back safely to the bottom of the grade. After the trains are at rest, and as the sun sets, the elk and deer will keep you company.

You will watch summer in the San Juan Mountains in all their glory. Come autumn, the aspens will color your world. In winter, the snow will be your blanket. And every spring, life and flowers and people will return to this sacred place, 64 miles of narrow rails. I cannot think of a better location for you to spend eternity.

You will be there to cheer on everyone who finds this place and comes to know it as special and as wonderful as we do. You will be there to hear the sounds of joy and the laughter of delight and discovery as new generations ride these rails. Every whistle that blows and every locomotive bell that rings will be a celebration of your life.