It is with the greatest sadness that we put up this tribute to Laurence (Laurie) Alan Dickerson (LAD491).

This evening we received an MSN call from Laurie's sister to tell us that Laurie had collapsed and died earlier today whilst visiting Littlehampton. A great number of you will know LAD491 from the forums with his ever helpful tips and advice and for the number of outstanding activities he wrote for both Commercial (London Brighton, West Coastway etc) and Community CDs (Thames Mersey, Dorset Coast etc).

Laurie was a very regular demonstrator at the UKTS Live shows around the country after his first visit to the Maidstone show in 2003. When he arrived he stood around for a bit and we asked if he wanted a go, he sat down and didn't move all day. He was hooked. As the years passed and his health deteriorated, Laurie would be there, big smile, plenty of sugar in his tea and a kind word for anybody that sought his help. In February 2008, he underwent a hernia operation and was soon to be seen back on the circuit.

During 2009, Lauries health deteriorated further and despite hospitalisation his health never recovered to the point where he felt he would wake up each day in reasonable health. Some days were good, some days were bad. Nevertheless he carried on and indeed visited the Brighton Model World Exhibition on all 3 days this past weekend.

I shall miss Laurie very much, a good and kind friend, an asset to the Train Simming Community. Farewell my friend.