I just happened today to come across this sad news from last week.
Dave Nelson
https://www.journal-topics.com/articles/owner-of-des-plaines-hobbies-dies-unexpectedly/
By Sean McNealy | on October 03, 2019
Des Plaines shop owner and model railroad hobbyist Ron Sebastian, 72, died at his Arlington Heights home Wednesday morning (Oct. 2).
Ron Sebastian a
My thoughts and prayers to the family. I’ve bought lots of stuff from them when they were a regular at TrainFest.
They always had a good selection of NOS Kato locos for $60.
Mike.
Sad news indeed. My condolences to his family and friends.
I was at the store only once, a deliberately selected destination after driving there from southern Ontario, as it was the only source, of which I was aware, for Viking roofs…
I also enjoyed browsing the shelves, but was there mainly for the roofs.
Wayne
My nephew Matt is married to the Gentleman’s daughter, Kathleen. I have never met the man, but heard lots about him. I believe they both worked at the shop,and is how they met.
Matt, BTW is the owner of Fox Valley Models, so I can’t help but wonder if he and his wife may take over the store.
Sorry to hear this. I’ve been to the store(s) many times since he opened his first one in 1983. I have family in DesPlaines and a stop at their store was a must every time I visited up there.
I know for sure he changed locations 3 times, maybe 4, and each store was better than the previous one.
I do hope the store continues on, for it is one of the last “real” hobby shops left.
This is sad news.
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I truly enjoyed my only visit to Des Plaines Hobbies almost a year ago.
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-Kevin
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Sorry to hear this. I only stopped in occasionally as they tended not to have much of the used stuff I was looking for, but the staff was friendly and the store well kept.
Condolences to the family.
I visited that shop for the first time last weekend.
So sorry to hear this, may he rest in peace.
Charles