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
Very sad news, I never meet Roy, but spoke to him by phone and was instantly struck by his helpful and kind manner.
Condolences to has family and friends.
My Sincere Condolences to Anjela and Hannah for your loss. Roy was a really kind and friendly man and I enjoyed the e-mail and phone conversations we had. I particularly admired his card locomotives which fortunately I have one to remember him by. I will pray for you both for strength and peace.
Sincerely
Tom Scriven
I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been said; apart from that it has been a privilege to know Roy over many years. His influence on me has been huge, and his contribution to our area of the hobby has been immense.
A very sad time, and my best wishes to all. Dave.T
I haven’t really met Roy nor conversed with him but I have seen his Crowsnest Tramway online a few times and bought The Crowsnest Chronicles to find out more about it in detail. I was absolutely blown away by his modelling and realised just how much he had an impact on narrow gauge modelling. As a relatively young modeller of 22 I find his work extremely inspiring and is probably the best I’ve ever seen. In many ways, I regret that I never had the chance to talk to him and I would love to have shown him my work in 009 narrow gauge. The modelling world has lost a legend and I offer my condolences to his family and friends. Long may RCL Publications and The Review continue as a reflection of his legacy.
Roy was my first grown-up publisher for the Sir Arthur Heywood book. I found him attentive and a pleasure to work with. I was delighted with the result he produced for me. I am only sorry that he won’t be there with his skills for Vol 2. He visited our garden railway last year to see Ursula and Effie in steam. When I took him to meet the engines (which he had never seen in the flesh before) he asked with a smile on his face “is it alright to touch them?” Like a little boy in a sweet shop! I hope he is puffing around at Crowsnest in the sky now.