Friday, December 3, 2021
I was minding my own business with my business partner Paul Dupin at a train show in Spokane some 20+years ago. A slender dark haired 'vintage' gent - like me - walked up and we began talking about American Flyer electric trains. After chatting, we found out we were both from the "South Side" (of Chicago). After several more minutes, we discovered that Tom's great "Uncle Frenchy" was my Grandfather ("Frenchy LaPointe"). Words cannot adequately convey my joy in discovering that my long-lost cousin was living in Idaho AND was an American Flyer (NOT LIONEL!!!) guy.
Damnit Tom, you left us far too early.
Mon Cher Cousin, je vais vous voir un de ces jours.
/s/Tom Audette dit La Pointe
