Robert Evans Lindquist Jr., 76 of Nescopeck passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017 at his home.
Born in Florida on April 23, 1941, he was the only child of the late Robert E. and Helen S. (Fields) Lindquist. Bob graduated from Boonton High School in New Jersey, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Management from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Bob served as a US Army reservist in the Fort Dix Public Information Office. He had a long career in the railroad industry as a train master at Pitcairn, Pennsylvania. He became vice president of the Lehigh Valley Railroad, the youngest vice president in the history of the company. Thereafter, he became senior vice president of finance for Conrail, until his retirement. Bob also was a partner in a railroad consulting business for several years after his retirement.
Bob was a great fan of Victorian architecture, classical music, playing the piano, mystery shows and British comedy. He was a member of the Berwick Historical Society, serving as treasurer, the Wyoming Valley Historical Society, and the Nescopeck Township Fire Company. He was also a member and former editor for the International Stationary Steam Engine Society.
In 1967 Bob purchased the Benjamin Evans Residence, a historic home built in 1855, and lovingly restored it over a period of many years. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
In 1976, Geoffrey Dautrich came to live at the “Residence” with Bob, and remained for the next 41 years, a devoted and loving companion to Bob. In February 2014, Bob legally adopted Geoff, who changed his last name from Dautrich to Lindquist. Bob and Geoffrey traveled extensively including sailing on the Queen Mary II and the Delta Queen. They enjoyed railroad travel and made many excursions around the country. Sadly, Geoff passed away in May of 2017.
Bob also enjoyed taking friends and acquaintances to the Steamtown National Historical Site for various train excursions, including the Christmas season Polar Express. Bob’s passion was his large collection of steam engines which were displayed in a newly constructed large pavilion on his property. After several engines were made operational, a steam up was held last fall and Bob was once again in his glory blowing the steam whistles with a martini in hand.
He will be missed by many close friends, who will gather for a private memorial service to be held later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the Berwick Historical Society, 344 North Market Street, Berwick, PA 18603.
Arrangements are under the direction of Heller Funeral Home, LLC, Nescopeck. Tributes may be sent to condolences@hellerfuneral.com.