It is a great shock to learn of the death over the weekend of B&G Assistant Carl Illwitzer. He was 66.
I believe he joined the Museum about 1979 -- at least that's when I first met him. He was one of Bruneau's electrical/mechanical experts and often did rebuilds on various components - air compressors, reversers, etc. As the story goes, he was the last person ever to run the D22 line car - after it arrived, he tested some circuits out on the thing and then briefly moved it back and forth under power by holding a "hot stick" up through the gaping holes in the roof to contact the overhead wire! He was trusted enough to know what he was doing that he was the only person, we believe, to ever have his rulebook list him as qualified on "all electric equipment" (or something to that effect).
In later years, of course, he was one of the few full-time paid employees, and was always to be seen busy on various B&G projects and general maintenance. We cannot imagine how he will be replaced.
There will be a remembrance for Carl at the Museum sometime soon, and we will post a notice when arrangements are made.
My heart goes out to Carl’s family and his IRM family. 66 is much too young. You have my condolences Randy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great gentleman! I met Carl through Dave Diamond and Don Bruno here at the CTA West Shops. He was always a great staple around the shop with his classic Illinois accent, always fun to be around, and always knew the exact load limits of a stake body truck!
ReplyDeleteGone will be the days of asking Dave, "Is Carl coming to help us salvage today?"
He will be sorely missed. My deepest condolences to his family and to the IRM family, too.