Roy C Link - Sad News
Posted by John Clutterbuck on
Update 11th December 2020: If you wish to make a donation then please send a cheque (GBP only) made payable to Pritchard a Griffiths Donations Account to the funeral directors: Pritchard a Griffiths Cyf,
Dublin Street,
Tremadog,
Porthmadog,
Gwynedd
LL49 9RH
Donations will be shared between Narrow Gauge Railway Society, Series One Land Rover Club, Marie Curie Nurses and his local Cat/Animal Sanctuary. This account will remain open until April 1st 2021
It is with great sadness that I have to report that Roy C Link passed away on November 20th. He died of cancer, peacefully at home after a short period of palliative and end of life care, attended by his devoted wife Anjela of 50 years and adored daughter Hannah. I'm sure you will join us in thinking of them at this sad time.
His wish of donating his body to medical science has proved not possible due to the current crisis so he will be privately cremated, followed in due course by a small private ceremony by invitation only.
Roy was an extremely talented, kind and knowledgeable man with a great sense of humour, and his contribution to the railway world was immense. He was an artist, esteemed modeller and publisher and a great friend to many. Amongst his many other accomplishments, he pioneered finescale narrow gauge modelling in O14 through RCL Kits (now KB Scale) and was of course founder of the REVIEW and RCL Publications – some of the finest railway history books ever published.
Roy’s wish was that the REVIEW will continue which we will do as best we can. I had been assisting with editing under Roy's direction, but of course did not expect to have to assume control this quickly.
We intend to honour his legacy in REVIEW 125 and would welcome any personal recollections from those who knew him well - please send them to editorial [at] narrowgaugeandindustrial.co.uk. You are also welcome to leave comments either here or on our facebook page: www.facebook.com/narrowgaugeandindustrial.co.uk
John, Marion and David
He will be greatly missed.
Thank you for all of your inspirational modelling.
When I ordered some back issues of the Review (this was way back when), Roy made full-size photocopies of issues 1 and 4 since the printed copies had run out! Naturally I treasure them. A rare talent and an admirable human being.
Only just come back to the website and read this tragic news, so apologies for the delay……
I never had the privilege of meeting Roy, but his influence on our particular branch of the hobby, no matter what scale you work in, was immense. From the quality of his own modelling, to the beautiful drawings he produced for all sorts of publications, all were inspirational, and we are all the richer for having been able to share them.
R.I.P Roy, and thank you.
Martin Collins
I am just so sorry that after years of anticipation, this day has come. I met Roy only once, at the Expo Narrow Gauge show some years ago: he was evidently feeling very unwell, but still was so polite and interested to associate a face with a voice, as I’d phoned him several times over the years to thank him for yet another lovely magazine or to renew my subscription and help in finding back issues. With his help I managed to build up an entire run from issue No.1 to the present day, which are among my most treasured publications, a real treat every 3 months that keeps on giving.
Like many others, I always found this kind and incredibly talented man a joy to talk to, and as many others have said, an inspiration for his wonderful style and artistry, plus someone to look up to: when making my own models, I often think: “Would Roy be satisfied with this?”
As gentle and kind as he was encouraging of others, it is obvious that he was only satisfied with very best when it came to his own work. The quality of his creations, the look of his books and of course, the Review with its cheerful style and clarity, was always an uplifting read and beautifully produced – a reflection of his aspiration to always meet the highest standards possible in everything he did.
While the world has lost an incredibly talented writer, artist and craftsman, it is forever enriched by his having shared his life with us and I am so glad that he has left behind an exemplary legacy for future generations as well as ours, to enjoy and marvel at.
My condolences to his family and friends worldwide.
My first contact with Roy was via another late mutual friend John Kimber. I visited Garn a couple of times, mainly to collect volumes that Roy had kindly passed on to me. Every visit was a pleasure. I’m also grateful for his encouragement and “critique” of my own publishing endeavours and for including some of my letters and articles within NG&I. Thoughts are with Anjela and his family at this time.