3:45pm sharp, Katie Dog would come into my office, place her head on my leg and give me the “LOOK” --the “Time to go to the park look“. We would walk a few blocks until we reached 419 Ocean View Avenue where Priya Dog and her Dad were waiting for us. Katie and Priya were besties from the getgo who chased and wrestled at Ocean View Park every day. Priya’s Dad and I enjoyed talking about the state of the union, world affairs, local politics --and trains!

Eric loved trains. He had a house full of trains. He belonged to a club of train lovers. They called themselves The Over the Hill Gang, as they would frequently travel to San Jose to run trains. When Eric began running trains at Christmas time in the Museum of Art and History, I helped for a few years. 

One year an enthusiastic, young boy named Trevor showed up every day of the train show. He asked Eric lots of questions and showed so much interest in the trains that Eric invited him to join him at the master controls. Trevor’s mom brought her knitting and patiently occupied herself in a nearby chair.

Thus began a mentorship/apprenticeship that led to Trevor’s career in train running --garden trains and the real thing, BIG trains, first at Roaring Camp, later at similar operations in Oregon while he went to college. Over the years Eric had a couple of bouts with cancer which he won. The last time we talked he said, “I’m fine, doing well,” but this week he lost his battle with cancer.

Many of you have met Eric Child, Trevor and friends as they built, tended, re-built and expanded the Fern Creek & Western Garden Railroad at 419 Ocean View Avenue. Eric was often outside ready to answer questions when you came to see “the train house,” especially when they invited you to Open Houses and their annual Halloween show.

Eric touched many lives by sharing his love of trains with thousands of children and children at heart. We are all sad to lose our good friend. We honor Eric by holding our sadness within. Our sadness feels a little raw right now, but over time we shall balance the sadness with warm memories of good times with a steadfast friend.

About that young boy Trevor, now a young man... read his beautiful tribute to Eric > > >

ALL the Summer Camps

Join us for a special one-of-a-kind Open House at Idea Fabs Labs in Santa Cruz! You’ll be led through the shop, one-on-one to build a working clock using some of our tools. You’ll get to choose from a library of templates to customize your clock along with getting valuable time interacting with some of our machines.

This event is FREE! Come learn, explore, and socialize with us at the Lab!

Have you been curious about being a maker at Idea Fab Labs but don’t know where to start?

We’ve developed this Open House with beginners in mind. You will get real hands-on experience to help break the ice with the tools in our space. Starting at ground zero can be intimidating, that’s why we will be with you every step of the way to ensure you have a fun and informative first experience.