Carroll, 88, from Brookdale Longmont in Longmont, Colorado, has always loved trains. As a child, Carroll and his dad would build model trains with elaborate mountain scenery. As an adult, Carroll worked with trains for about 70 years. He worked for General Motor repairing parts for locomotives for about 20 years. He also rewound both electric and transaction train motors near Baltimore for about 50 years. Carroll wished he could ride in a train again.
Carroll is also passionate about volunteering. He volunteered with the fire department’s 156 rehab unit, called “The Coffee Wagon,” for about 10 years. “The Coffee Wagon” was a group of volunteers that ensured firemen and policemen would have necessary supplies after working a disaster or accident. Carroll is also a veteran, serving during WWII. In the Army, Carroll’s job was to fix and repair projectors for training.
Today, Carroll has two model trains that he shows to anyone who wants to see them. Resident Programs Coordinator, Donna, said, “Carroll’s eyes light up when he talks about trains.” Carroll said, “…trains make me feel happy. It feels good to run trains. It provides lots of relief, especially when the train runs right.” Wish of a Lifetime and Brookdale Senior Living were excited to send Carroll and his son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Sheila, on the Georgetown Loop Railroad. Carroll said the train ride was “…unforgettable. I loved the scenery with the snow falling. I was feeling like it wasn’t real at first. Like it was a dream.”
Photo credit: Raine Chism, Raine Chism Photography
