Fred Hamilton an NMRA life member for over 50 years died August 1, 2024, after a long battle with cancer. He was 82 years old.

Fred served on the advertising sales staff of Trains and Model Railroader magazines for 25 years. After that, he was general manager of NorthWest Short Line for several years.

He was a Trustee and President of the Model Railroad Industry Association, and later served as its Executive Director. He was a founding Director of the Narrow Gauge Trust Fund and the Narrow Gauge Preservation Foundation.

An avid and talented On3 modeler, Fred knew everyone in the model railroad industry.

Fred piloted Air Force C-141 Starlifters during the Vietnam conflict. Friends who served in country told me his cargo often – or, perhaps, always – included fallen soldiers, sailors, and airmen. Now he rests in peace with the heroes he brought home.