Junctionmad has departed

[Noel]

With great sadness I learned our fellow forumite @Junctionmad railway expert, electronics genius, master mariner, and my faithful pal Dave McCabe left this life on Monday after bravely battling a long illness with fortitude, dignity, gentleness and kindness. If you needed to get something done there was no better genius than Dave at making things happen.  He was a dynamo and generous with his time, always happy to share his technical knowledge. Dave left a positive impact in every sphere of life he touched, from the space programme, to sailing, inland waterway community, navigation technology, railway modelling and in recent years his massive contribution to WMRC. Dave pioneered innovative baseboard technology, layout electronics using can bus, and signalling. Dave designed WMRCs massive ‘Little Siddington’ O gauge exhibition layout. Dave was also a hero of RNLI, having been a founder and first chair of RNLI Lough Ree life boat, and subsequently responsible for the permanent lifeboat station at Cowman point. Fairwell faithful friend, and fair sailing in the new life you now live. One perhaps we cannot fully comprehend, but may you be now sailing on a broad reach with 12kt of wind, the sun beaming on your broad kind smile. Care and prayer for your soul mate Siobhan, daughters Sarah, Jamie and son in-law Liam. Big friendly giant with such a huge heart, you will be missed. Meet you for a coffee in the next life.

PS: Dave's handle here @Junctionmad came from his nostalgic love of Limerick Junction from years of travel back and forth to college in Limerick from his native Waterford.

RPSI rail tour 2017 - Dave insisted on bringing his own linen table service complete with candelabra, much to the bemusement of people on the platform looking in, wondering what sort of ticket that table had.

 

[Mayner]

Sorry to hear about Dave, Junctionmad's passing my commiserations to his family and friends.

[jhb171achill]

Another sad loss to the hobby. R I P 

[DJ Dangerous]

Rest in Peace, @Junctionmad Dave. Thanks for the lovely tribute and photos, @Noel, very heartwarming.

[Flying Snail]

Rest in Peace Dave, and my condolences to his family and friends. I'll echo what was said above Noel - that was a nice tribute.

[murphaph]

Far too young . RIP Dave and thanks for the words of tribute Noel. Condolences to you and his other friends and of course his family.

[Stoby]

May He Rest In Peace  , Condolences to Family & Friends .

[ttc0169]

May he rest in peace

[enniscorthyman]

RIP David.

I had many a chat about Waterford-Ballinacourty branch with him.

A great loss to his family and friends.

[murrayec]

Very sad, rest in peace

[Warbonnet]

This is very sad news and something I saw reported on the Wexford Model Railway Club page yesterday.

I have to be honest, in Dave's earlier days in posting here I did clash with him a couple of times. As ever with these things, it was over stupid, silly stuff with posts lost in context once put on the web. I have to say at one stage, I got personal, and it was to my great shame and regret. I saw the error of my ways and apologised to Dave for my conduct. It has to be said that he accepted my apology, and from there we moved forward into a much more positive relationship as him acting in an official capacity for the Wexford club and me for IRM. There was never anything more said and indeed a very positive relationship, which even shared laughs, grew. 

I did not know Dave well, but to me I think that speaks volumes for his character. I did wrong, he accepted my apology, and allowed us to move on in a very positive direction and never held it against me. I was hugely appreciative of that and learned a valuable lesson in life. 

I since saw Dave at the Bangor and Wexford shows in 2023 and was very sorry to learn of his illness and see what impact it had on quite obviously a brilliant mind. I wish his family and friends the very best and that they're in our thoughts here at IRM.

May Dave rest in peace. We have lost some excellent modellers from the Irish scene in recent weeks with him and Ken. Very sad times.

Fran 

[LNERW1]

I saw this on Facebook. This is yet another member who has passed without my knowing them, and coming so soon after the loss of KMCE as well. I so wish I got to know these people, but often it's just too late. I suppose WMRC's Little Siddington is an impressive tribute to him, and I'll think of him when I see it from now on. Condolences to Dave's family and friends, and may he rest in peace.

Edited May 29 by LNERW1

[Gabhal Luimnigh]

Very sad.

[derek]

Condolences to  Dave's family and friends. 

[David Holman]

Two in a week and two too many. So sad.

 Many condolences.

[Bob229]

Very sad news,  Condolences to Dave's family and friends 

[226 Abhann na Suire]

Rest in peace Dave, and condolences to all of his family and friends

[Noel]

Printed in IWN magazine last month. 

 

 

[irishthump]

Very sad to hear we have lost another member of our community. 

Thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

[Irishrailwayman]

Lovely article Noel. A great loss to the railway modelling and sailing communities. A true gentleman and a good friend to all who met him. Rest in peace Dave.