From BRW General Manager,

"Norm Cole passed away yesterday.

Norm Cole was one of the professional railroaders that joined Black River at the start, and helped define what our railroad was to be. Norm was an early Stockholder and Director.

While his railroad career was defined by more than 30 years service as a Conductor on the Lehigh Valley Railroad, Norm’s passion was running No. 60.

He was a Railroader’s Railroader and would not hesitate to answer a question, whether from a six year old boy or a newbie brakeman or a day tourist from New York.

Norm was always professional -- on the railroad and off -- and could correct an errant method or tell you how to do something better, without making you feel like an idiot, but in a way that made you want to do it right the next time, and every time.

If you had the privilege of railroading with Norm Cole, you are a better railroader for it.

But even if you never met Norm, your experience at Black River is shaped by what he taught us.

Norm was always about safety, and at a time when Safety wasn’t always First.

Much of what we do, day in and day out, comes from his tutoring.

He leaves us with a legacy.

A viewing will be held at the Rupell Funeral Home, Memorial Parkway, Phillipsburg, NJ, Wednesday 6-8pm.

Funeral will be on Thursday".