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Post by thebigcrabcake on Nov 17, 2023 1:31:34 GMT
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of a beloved friend, Brian Vaill. Founder of the O Gauge Forum and the D56 Club, Brian was a visionary in the world of model trains and Department 56 villages. Brian's journey in the realm of model trains began with a profound passion, leading him to create the O Gauge Forum. Since then, our online community has become a thriving space for enthusiasts, where Brian's dedication has strengthened the bonds of a shared love for O gauge model trains. His impact further extended to the creation of the D56 Club, a haven for collectors of Department 56 Villages. Brian's creativity and legendary layouts were showcased in numerous publications and a best-selling Christmas DVD, featuring his meticulously crafted train and village layouts. His attention to detail and commitment to authenticity transformed these miniature worlds into breathtaking masterpieces, captivating all who were fortunate enough to witness them. Beyond his tangible creations, Brian's spirit was one of generosity and friendship. He welcomed newcomers with warmth, making everyone feel like part of an extended family. Brian's willingness to mentor enriched the hobby and left an indelible mark on the lives of those lucky enough to call him a friend. As we mourn the loss of Brian Vaill, we remember him not only for his contributions to the world of model trains and Department 56 Villages but also for the kindness, passion, and joy he brought to everything he touched. In the echoes of train whistles and the glow of miniature villages, Brian's spirit will continue to inspire and connect us. Now reunited with his wife Elizabeth, who predeceased him, may he rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty of the worlds he so meticulously crafted. The memory of Brian will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Brian’s daughter, Debra “Debbie” Vaill (Pictured below with Brian and Elizabeth) is planning a memorial service in Maryland at a future date. In honor of her father’s dedication to the Forum family, she is planning for a Zoom memorial service so his many O’Gauge and Department 56 friends can come together to celebrate the life of this amazing man. Debbie is now an OGF Member "debbievaill" and you can reach out to her directly or in this thread.  |
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Post by debbievaill on Nov 17, 2023 1:37:37 GMT
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of a beloved friend, Brian Vaill. Founder of the O Gauge Forum and the D56 Club, Brian was a visionary in the world of model trains and Department 56 villages. Brian's journey in the realm of model trains began with a profound passion, leading him to create the O Gauge Forum. Since then, our online community has become a thriving space for enthusiasts, where Brian's dedication has strengthened the bonds of a shared love for O gauge model trains. His impact further extended to the creation of the D56 Club, a haven for collectors of Department 56 Villages. Brian's creativity and legendary layouts were showcased in numerous publications and a best-selling Christmas DVD, featuring his meticulously crafted train and village layouts. His attention to detail and commitment to authenticity transformed these miniature worlds into breathtaking masterpieces, captivating all who were fortunate enough to witness them. Beyond his tangible creations, Brian's spirit was one of generosity and friendship. He welcomed newcomers with warmth, making everyone feel like part of an extended family. Brian's willingness to mentor enriched the hobby and left an indelible mark on the lives of those lucky enough to call him a friend. As we mourn the loss of Brian Vaill, we remember him not only for his contributions to the world of model trains and Department 56 Villages but also for the kindness, passion, and joy he brought to everything he touched. In the echoes of train whistles and the glow of miniature villages, Brian's spirit will continue to inspire and connect us. Now reunited with his wife Elizabeth, who predeceased him, may he rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty of the worlds he so meticulously crafted. The memory of Brian will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. Brian’s daughter, Debra “Debbie” Vaill (Pictured below with Brian and Elizabeth) is planning a memorial service in Maryland at a future date. In honor of her father’s dedication to the Forum family, she is planning for a Zoom memorial service so his many O’Gauge and Department 56 friends can come together to celebrate the life of this amazing man. Debbie is now an OGF Member "debbievaill" and you can reach out to her directly or in this thread.
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Post by debbievaill on Nov 17, 2023 1:50:22 GMT
My dad will be greatly missed. I look forward to my contributions to the group and sharing/posting my future train layout.
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Post by david1 on Nov 17, 2023 1:54:09 GMT
Debra,
Please accept my deepest sympathy for the passing of a wonderful man, father and husband and friend. Be comforted that he his now with the holy father and may he rest in peace till the end of time.
I will miss the man I called a friend, rest in peace Brian.
Dave
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Post by edlloyd on Nov 17, 2023 3:02:08 GMT
My dad will be greatly missed. I look forward to my contributions to the group and sharing/posting my future train layout. Debbie, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family. Yes your dad will be greatly missed. The passion your dad had of trains is with you now. I will look forward to seeing your future layout.
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Post by dennym57 on Nov 17, 2023 3:19:11 GMT
Debbie, please except my deepest condolences. Brian's vision for this forum has been realized many times over. I'm really going to miss his post.
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Post by Adam on Nov 17, 2023 3:26:36 GMT
Debbie,
My condolences to you and your family. I only got to know your father through this forum and from phone calls and Zoom meetings over the last 3 or so years. But in that short time, I got to know how incredibly smart, talented, passionate and caring of a person he was. I learned so much from him about not only model trains, but about business, creativity, perseverance and much more. Working with him on several projects he was always sharp as a tack, had great ideas and an eye for design. We worked well together and I always had fun in the process.
I am honored and Blessed to have gotten the chance to know him and will never forget him.
I will keep him, you and your family in my prayers.
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Post by Charlie on Nov 17, 2023 3:30:37 GMT
So sorry to hear the news of your dads passing Debbie. Brian spoke very highly of you often and was extremely proud of you.
Rest In Peace Brian.
Charlie Tucek
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Post by Craignor on Nov 17, 2023 3:43:02 GMT
Please accept my deepest condolences.
RIP Brian.
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Post by josef on Nov 17, 2023 10:00:21 GMT
Prayers and condolences from myself and Diane.
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Post by healey36 on Nov 17, 2023 13:19:00 GMT
A relative newbie here, I didn't have much time to get to know Mr. Vaill to any great extent, but clearly his presence was felt and his contributions valued. This is an amiable place, much more so than others, and I have a great appreciation for that. It's clear that his values and his sensibilities are reflected here.
To Deb and all of the family, my sincerest condolences. This guy will be missed.
For you, sir, Godspeed. It was a pleasure to have made your acquaintance.
Paul R.
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Post by Country Joe on Nov 17, 2023 13:24:49 GMT
Debbie,
This is truly terrible news. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a good man and a good friend. I will miss him. God bless.
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Post by harborbelt70 on Nov 17, 2023 14:09:27 GMT
First of all I would like to welcome Debbie to the OGF, which is a lasting testament to her father’s drive, innovation and willingness to contribute to the O gauge hobby that we all enjoy.
Second, while I had expected the news Emile posted, I had also hoped for many more years of the pleasure of knowing Brian. Although I only met Brian and Elizabeth once (which was at York some years back) I had a stream of correspondence with him and we shared an outlook on the hobby and indeed other things. Brian was a great asset to this Forum and the hobby generally. My condolences to his family and his and their friends. He will be much missed but I am sure would wish us not to dwell on our loss but treasure what gave us to remember him by.
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Post by sdivtim on Nov 17, 2023 14:28:09 GMT
From my family to your family, Debbie, our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Probably like many of those that have been here since the start, we saw how small this forum started to where it is now and even though all members have participated to make this a wonderful forum, without the driving force to get the wheels rolling from Brian and Elizabeth, this forum wouldn't be where it is now.
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Post by eddieg on Nov 17, 2023 15:22:23 GMT
Sorry to hear of Brian's passing. I live just an hour from Brian and talked to him on the phone many times. I was shocked to say the least. Condolences to the family.
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