Director, Seacoast Division NMRA, 2003-2016

On behalf of all of the members of Seacoast Division, National Model Railroad Association, the Board of Directors of the Division gratefully acknowledges the many contributions that Thomas A. Coulombe has made to their enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading during his term as Director, 2003-2016.

When Tom joined the NMRA in June 2000, the Seacoast Division NMRA had fewer than 30 members. Today, the Division has approximately 180 members. Tom became a significant volunteer very early on. Within 16 months of joining the NMRA, Tom became Treasurer of the Division in October, 2001, working diligently to streamline and stabilize the Division’s financial processes. He continued in that position for 15 years, handing over the role to his successor in 2015. He was first elected to the Board of Directors in October, 2003, and served over 12 years in that role until his resignation in April, 2016. During this period, Tom’s calm and patient nature, as well as his common sense and generosity, helped lead the Board to make sound policy decisions which have transformed it from a small collection of model railroaders to one of the most dynamic and effective divisions in the Northeastern Region of the NMRA. His many ongoing contributions to the Board’s deliberations will be hard to replace.

Tom volunteered for other roles in the Division, also. He was a key leader when the Division hosted NER conventions, and he helped promote the NMRA and the Division at train shows. The Division lead the way in organizing the Maine Model Railroad Tour in 2015 and Tom’s experience and advice was critical in developing policies and procedures to make it successful. Tom encouraged the Division to adopt a Values Statement so that a friendly and nurturing environment would always exist at Division activities.

Tom helped the Division to welcome young people to our hobby, often through Boy Scout activities. He was very active in counseling boys who wished to earn the Railroading Merit Badge, participating at several local, regional and national jamborees as a merit badge counselor. He provided valuable advice and instruction for the inaugural of a highly popular Railroading Merit Badge program in Union, NH, in 2015. He has instructed youth as well as adults in many other model railroading classes, too, and been a presenter in the Operation Life Saver program. The Northeastern Region NMRA recognized Tom’s devotion to attracting youth to the model railroading hobby by awarding him the 2014 Robert W. Spate Public Service Award.

One very special member of the Seacoast Division NMRA, the Great Falls Model Railroad Club, particularly has benefitted from Tom’s unflagging involvement in its activities. Tom has served as its president, served on its Executive Committee, and in recent years has been both its treasurer and station master. He also  helped the Club and the Division coordinate their activities. Tom’s strong work ethic, patience, empathy, and good judgment have enabled this 135-member club to manage its finances, large clubhouse and multiple scale layouts very successfully.

Tom’s personal qualities also set him in very high esteem with others. He exemplifies the Division’s values: He is always FUN to be around, and he is RESPECTFUL, OPEN-MINDED, SUPPORTIVE, INFORMATIVE, and he definitely PARTICIPATES! He is an example of the adage “If you want something done, give it to a busy man.” Tom handles stress amazingly well and presents an appearance that calms those around him. He often recognizes problems or opportunities well before others do and formulates plans to deal with them timely. Most importantly, he welcomes new members and friends so that they remain engaged. Throughout his accomplishments and services to the Division and other organizations, Tom has continued to be a humble, caring, and endearing fellow. He is a “star” in our eyes and his star will forever shine on the model railroad hobby.

May 1, 2016