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Caption: CPR train order operator John F. Mellow is seen at work, copying out orders at Don Station on a chilly winter night. Employed by the CPR as an operator/dispatcher for 15 years, and later 29 years with GO Transit, John was heavily involved for many years with the Upper Canada Railway Society, Ontario Rail Association, South Simcoe Railway, the Friends of Freeman Station in Burlington, Toronto Railway Museum, and various other rail preservation projects.
"Every time I see a picture of Don Station, I think of my dear friend John. Can hear him repeating the train order he is writing down, spelling out numbers, hunched over the train order sheet, in the quiet of the night. This is how I like to remember John, and I feel blessed to have shared many wonderful and enjoyable times with him throughout his remarkable life." 1945 - 2025.
Scan and editing by Jacob Patterson.
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Very nice tribute, John.
John’s book, “OS Don,” is a great read for anyone, interested in Toronto area rail, and train order operations.
Exactly what I planned to write, Jacob. John’s book, “OS Don” is a great read with some marvelous photos. Last time I talked with John, he mentioned he was working on a second book. Now I wonder what will become of it or will it get finished by a co-writer. I miss John. Always had a smile for me.
THANKS for posting this image, lad.
Nice tribute to a great guy. Always loved hearing his stories and adventures on the CPR. Gone too soon…
Rest in peace John, it was great to know you. His preservation efforts took him all over, for a brief time (about a year) him and Mr. Brian Dickey were working to start a railway museum in Ontario – with sights on Guelph. They were involved with our group and their plans, as ambitious as they were were met with resistance from the politicians at the time as they wanted to buy land, etc. It just didn’t work out as the resistance was just too great, at the time (different administration).
Through that could see his passion for preservation – and continued to be involved with him as I joined ORA on his request to help with their efforts at the time.
Haven’t seen much of him in the last few years, likely due to declining health unfortunately. So it goes. At least the organizations he helped out with continue the legacy of all those that helped build it.
As someone who spent a lot of time at Burlington West (Freeman) station, I appreciated the fact it was and still is preserved very much.