Douglas was the first chairman of our North East branch and a valued member of our Council for several years. He was a good friend and we are all saddened to hear of his passing. Philip Benham, Chairman Friends of the National Railway Museum.

I have so many happy memories of Douglas and his wife Val, who was the love of his life and my best friend. I go back 50 years to our seventies style dinner parties in Durham and getting giddy whirling through the Dashing White Sergeant at Burns Nights in the Castle. I remember the delight on his face when Rachel was born and the happiness at her christening. Douglas was a true gentleman. A loving and loyal friend. He was fiercely intelligent and yet extremely modest about his contributions to transport engineering both in Durham and the wider UK. At our last meeting my husband, Bob, asked Douglas about the efficacy of smart motorways, 'A complete disaster' was the reply, with which Bob was extremely happy to concur! After retirement Douglas was never happier than when he was planning a trip by bus, train and boat, immersed in timetables and weather forecasts, people to meet on the way and historical routes to be explored. He shared with us his interest in the paddle steamer Waverley; we were planning a voyage before her boilers blew up; we will take that trip when we can and toast Douglas from her decks. Douglas also enjoyed a forensic exploration of his and Val's family histories. This led me to an interesting encounter with the receptionist in a solicitor's office in Freemantle when were visiting friends in Perth, WA. I explained that my friend, Douglas Hamilton, was trying to get in touch with the solicitor (who was not in his office), a long lost cousin who was not replying to emails. Bemused the receptionist took the contact details that I gave her and amazingly contact between the families was established. I will miss my dear friend so much.

I met Douglas many years ago, and he encouraged me to do presntations at Locomotion. This was very helpful in my finding a new direction after retirement. He was gracious and supportive. I am having a Mass said to celebrate his life as my tribute to him. I hope this is consoling to you his family