Long time Humboldt County Resident, owner and engineer of Alton Ride Around Railroad, Frank T. Bayliss Sr. was born November 23, 1915, and took his final station departure from this life on June 13, 2008, at the age of 93. He was a wise, opinionated, and out spoken old codger. Set in his ways, some good and some not so good. Frank was a long-suffering diabetic, with increasing complications of that disease. He was for many years a snow bird, wintering in his southern Nevada home. He had a long career as a professional truck driver before retiring to his special avocation of engineer of Alton Train Ride, while making his home on the premises. He is survived by his son Frank T. Bayliss Jr., and daughters Irene Bailey, Patricia Martino, and Sharon O’Conner, 14 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren, scattered thither and yon. He leaves behind many local friends and acquaintances. He was a Fortuna McDonald's breakfast regular.

Frank died while living with his daughter in Cocoa Beach, Fla., and was buried near the railroad tracks in Florida Memorial Gardens off U.S. Hwy 1 at Rockledge, Fla., in clear view of two pine trees in the section called Peace. We do not grieve Frank’s death, but celebrate his life and longevity. Soo...as we’re standing at the station, and a train starts slowly down the track, whistle blowing and smoke pouring from the stack, Frank in his engineer’s cap, sits at the controls of Engine #5, handsome, strong, waving at the crowd. We watch him get smaller and smaller until there is just a speck of smoke where the track and sky mingle together as, a ray of sun lights up the whole area. Then someone says, “There! He’s gone!” Gone where? Gone from our sight, that is all. He is as strong and handsome, as when he first started out, just as able to follow the track to his next beautifully lighted station to meet his Maker! His diminished size is in us, not in him. Now someone says, “Yes, he’s gone,” but the gathered cheering crowd, shouts, “Hear the whistle, see the smoke? Here he comes,” and so Frank has once again made another safe journey to the next station. We’ll see him there when we arrive! Until then let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be. With God as Creator, Family are we. Let us walk with each other, in perfect harmony. Let peace begin with me. Let this be my joyous vow, to take each moment in peace, eternally. Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me. (By Sy Miller and Jill Jackson)

Meantime do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I so not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the autumn's gentle rain.
When you awaken in the morning hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.
A Hopi Prayer by Mary E. Frye

Submitted by Doris Osburn, Dist. 1 Representative NSHC
Frank’s long time friend and one of his many local McDonald’s cohorts.