Thank you for putting out this video. Like so many of Marks followers on his ride-outs, I was there with him too. I've been stuck in a wheel-chair for 25 years now and his freedom was my chance of a bit of escape from these four walls and this chair, over here in Scotland, UK. Our trains move faster so we don't get the chance to ride trains like the Hobo's do in a tradition in America that goes back to the beginning of rail-roads in the USA; often because they had to because of no work in the Great Depression, or because society wouldn't let folks fit in. Sending condolences from the heart, to you, his family and all the Hobo Family he had out there. You keep safe and all the best to you and all with you there, sir. Take care now and with such sadness, thank you again. God Bless you all.
I was a railroad supervisor, but met some very nice hobos, in my days. There was one, who I distinctly remember, named Midwest John. He’s probably gone now too. They used to say, when a hobo passed, the had caught ‘The Westbound.’
I'll sure miss ole Shoestring. I've been watching him for 6 or 7 years now and really feel like I knew him. I really feel like I lost a good friend today although I never met him. Rest In Peace Mark. Enjoy that everlasting train ride in heaven, brother.
I'm a Shoestring fan for about 6 years myself,Here in Australia,I feel like you do. We all have lost our friend.... Shoestring,may you enjoy the great railway in the sky,roll on,friend.
Thanks for putting this up. I know it's hard for you. Shorstring was definitely a unique individual, we probably won't come across another like him in our lives. I'm thankful for the videos he left us❤
As a retired railroader I got a kick watching shoestring, we used to meet riders occasionally, some real characters! Mark took big risks doing rides, but he lived life on his way, rip hobo
Very sad. Watched his videos for 6 or 7 years!! I'm a railroad fan since I was 6 yrs old. I'm 76 now and will really miss Hobo Shoestring videos. RIP Shoe !!!!
Mark's passing has deeply saddened me, I met him personally in Springfield, Missouri in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Yard in the summer of 2017 where I was homeless at the time. Praying for Mark and his family..
@@selvamthiagarajan8152seemed like such a great guy. It’s so very sad. I saw another video they said where he was going through things but nothing else said. No idea if true.
Very sad. As a train lover, for me, Hobo Shoestring led a life that I have only fantasized about. He wasn't homeless, he lived his life by his own choice and riding the rails was what he wanted to do. God Speed Shoestring.
Mark has a very nice townhome that backed to the lake. His home is immaculate, ordered, decorated, beautifully with train motif and train collections & memorabilia from fans that was, thoughtfully, displayed thrroughout his home. Truly a cozy, comfortable 'home'. He's an impressive cook who, again kept an immaculate, orderly, kitchen. His homebase was for when he needed to be stationery for medical & doctor appointments. His love was being on the rails.
I have watched Shoestring for several years and loved to hear his stories. He was truly one of a kind and he will surely be missed. I pray for comfort and peace for his family.
I only became aware of Hobo Shoestring 2 days ago - purely coincidental timing. I watched one of his videos and then I found out he was currently missing. Saddened to hear of this outcome. He seems like a top guy and had so much respect reading all the comments. Ive always had an interest in the hobo tradition in the USA and the geography of your fantastic country, Mark seemed like the personification of wanderlust in a sadly disappearing age. I'll certainly go back and watch his videos and enjoy the legacy he has left. From the UK - thank you Mark, rest in peace Sir.
My husband and I have watched Hobo Shoestring’s videos for the past 3 years. Our hearts are sad that we won’t seeing anymore of his videos. Good bye Mark Nichols. You will be missed 💔
This cut me up. Shoestring was unique, free spirited like a child but with old soul wisdom, a sense for adventure and a friendly kind fellow, who I found fascinating and entertaining. He was also humble, I remember him kindly replying to a comment I left him once. Roll On, and RIP
I just started to watch his videos and then read he passed. What a shame and sad. I was never a train guy but his videos were honest and his real life. I will watch all his videos now for sure. RIP shoestring HOBO. Ride them trains up in heaven.
My heart is so broken! I have been watching Hobo Shoestring for years, and enjoyed every minute of his adventures. I learned a lot from him. God Bless him, he was loved by so many. 😢❤
Mark lived his life exactly the way he wanted and he was at peace on earth. Shoestring we are all going to miss you and we all love you rider. Rest In Peace
I was so sad to see the announcement on our local news. He was found 45 minutes from where I live. The hospital should have held him for observation but Ballad isn’t known to actually care. I hope he is in peace now. He lived life on his terms and we should all be so lucky. Ride with the wind Shoestring.
Dearest Mark Nichols "Hobo Shoestring", you will be missed greatly, and every time I see a train, it will always remind me of how much I enjoyed your videos, sharing experiences, stories, and magnificent views from the train, and most of all seeing how much you enjoyed these experiences. Thank you for sharing these times. It was like I was on the ride with him. From the times of your travels to your favorite place and checking out apartments in Alaska, to riding around in the golf cart while visiting your dad, filming your apartment and showing train models, and gifts from fans, the National Hobo Convention to your daily rides, I greatly appreciated you taking us along. I started watching Hobo Shoestring's channel during the pandemic and with the views and stories, it was a nice ride along. His filming, editing, talks, description, and ability to see from riding a train perspective was amazing and appreciative. My heart goes out to him, and to his family and friends. I hope during the next National Hobo Convention, there is a memorial in his honor, as it is well deserved. His stories and experiences will live on, especially every time I see a train. All the best, Mark Nichols "Hobo Shoestring" and to his family. Ride on in memory. www.youtube.com/@TheHoboShoestring
Thanks for the tribute…. Shoestring had issues, but tried hard to deal with them. I’m a disabled vet and know what he went through. Even so, everyone that has to deal with these issues is different. Saying goodbye to Mark is hard; he was a tough old bugger with a great attitude. I never learned of what happened to his son in Alaska, but I’m sure it all played a part. It doesn’t 9:33 matter how many people love you and are helping you, when the demons come, it’s time to go. I pray to our dear God, Lord and Holy Spirit that you embrace Mark in heaven and allow him to ride heavens rails for eternity. I’m reminded of the death of Hobo Stobe some years ago… if you are not familiar with him, look him up on the tube and see what a character he was. God bless you Shoestring, I never met you, but you are in my heart. RIP.
He will be riding the "Heaven rails (on a Cadillac Grainer ;)" with O'l Stobe! RIP to both of them. They found the American dream - the pursuit of happiness. He will be a Legend. I railroaded for 41 years and I look up to Shoestring as a real railroader and he did it with the Hobo honor.
Thanks for this beautiful tribute video. I loved watching Shoestring's videos! They were always awesome, informative and very entertaining! He'll be very missed but never forgotten by his many rail fans. He was such a first class, caring and loving individual. Rest in peace Shoestring. 🚂
Such a Free Spirit and kind individual! He did what he loved to do and follow his own path. As a veteran brother, I thank him for his service and for showing others to follow your dreams. Safe travels Mark... You can rest peacefully, From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran.
@@rvnmedic1968 You are so right! We all could take a lesson or two from him and just live for your compassion in life. Take care and thank you for commenting. He will live in all who followed him! Namaste.
Goodbye Shoestring. Tens of thousands of us will miss your stories, and miss going along with you, looking for the right car and the right train and dodging the bulls. It’s not going to be the same around here.
Thanks for putting out the comments about huge stream. I’ve been watching him for almost 3 years and yes I will miss him and all my prayers and everything you’re out to him. Thank you.
I am beyond saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I loved watching his stories and knowledge of train hopping. The man was an encyclopedia of the rails. Even if his video only showed passing scenery, I feel like I was right there with him exploring America. To Hobo's family and many friends, I send my sympathies and prayers. May your fond memories help to carry you through this incredibly difficult time. Godspeed Mark, you will be missed by all of us and I hope you're riding the heavenly rails.
Thank you for the very kind heart-felt tribute to Shoestring. It really breaks my heart that he is no longer with us, but he will ALWAYS live on through our thoughts and his videos.
THANKS for sharing and the Tribute to Mark / Shoestring :( May he Rest In Peace and Ride on! So many of us never knew him, BUT MUCH RESPECT indeed! Take care all and he IS and WILL be missed! My Condolences to his Family and Friends.
OMG, This is the first i have heard about shoestring missing and found in a lake!!! Shoestring was a man who had friends everywhere he went!! He was so knowledgeable about trains, their uses, routes and the entire world of trains! I will miss his adventures and his excellent videos he presented here on you tube!!! shoestring was a kind soul and will Be remembered for his adventures, sharing and kindness to his fellow man!! God bless you on your new journey my friend!!
Hobo Shoesting will be missed. I enjoyed watching his videos. He knew a lot about trains and did a great job showing views he passed by. RIP hobo shoestring
My roommate and I went to Iowa to pay tribute to him. Mark was a genuine human being, a man of God and a lovely friend that we never met but felt we knew thorough his videos. We also felt blessed in getting to know the hobo community. I honestly feel like kindred spirits. We're fans of Southern Rail Fan and the railfanning community. God bless you for making this and blessings to you and yours.
Qué pena más grande, extrañaremos su forma de hablar y de ver el mundo, las semillas que plantaba al borde de la línea, las historias y los comentarios sobre los trenes y las estaciones, el notable poema que leyó una vez. Un gran hombre sin duda, siempre he sido "railfan" y cuando lo ví por primera vez hace tres o cuatro años, me recordó cuando yo era niño y recorría los patios de estaciones, ,e pareció que tenía el mismo sentido. Descansa en paz gran Hobo Shoestring, te extrañaremos. (Sorry for writt in spanish, from Chile)
Thanks for the sad news. From the UK and around the world's TH-cam Shoestring viewers. Mark, Hobo Shoestring RIP in God's hands. Condolaces to his relatives. He came over as a kind, peaceful, loveable man who had troubles in his life and illness. I hope he realised that he gave a lot on his channel to his viewers. Thanks for sharing your life with us. May he be at a peaceful rest, with God.
What a kind, thoughtful, tribute. Thank you for taking the time to voice appreciation & show respect to a man whose, simple pleasure, was sharing the lifestyle he enjoyed. For those who followed Mark, you had to admire his intellect, humility, passion, compassion, and vast knowledge of railways. He was a very kind soul.
That was a beautiful tribute with the RR cars and all. You and your dad spoke exactly what was of what was in many of our hearts about Shoestring. Yes, I felt I was riding with him too via his videos. I hope a lot of the Shoestring fans see this. May God keep, bless, and enrich Shoestring's soul in The Kingdom Of Heaven.
I'm sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel. Just a year ago, I had been following a TH-camr and watched her videos almost every day, I felt like I knew her. On April 7 of last year, I read a nessage on her Instagram and it was apparent that she was ready to take her own life. People from all over the world who read the message called the police where she lived only to find that she had typed the message three days earlier and only timed it to be released that day. It was too late, she was already gone, I didn't know her in person, but I cried for weeks, and even now I still cannot believe she actually is gone. My heart goes out to you and to all of his followers, friends and family,
I have been following Shoestring for many many years and enjoyed so many of his videos learned so much from him He always made me smile an he surely will be missed. Canada 🇨🇦 loved 🥰 watching so many of his videos. God please look over our loving 🥰 brother May you Rest In Peace 🙏
It’s very hard to know that life goes on without shoestring, it hearts my heart so bad I can’t stop crying. I’m 62 former rail road conductor. Six years ago, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Everything in my life made sense after I found out. It’s been almost a living hell my whole life and I only want to be away from people can’t stand being around people. I’m extremely talented and very intelligent, have built many airplanes, restored many vintage airplanes to perfection. I’m extremely talented, but I hate being around people . Rest in peace, brother.
I’m not sure it’s possible to “feel better” when that’s what’s going on. The sensory overload can be unbearable - the noise, the movement, the hard-to-speak-of sensing of what people *might* be thinking about you - especially if you have a lifelong history of being harassed, bullied and abused by your family *AND* society as a whole. Formally diagnosed at 47.
@@dennisyoung4631 Dennis, I want to thank you very much for your response. You are spot on exactly right 100%. Much of my life I’ve been on unbearable, overload, harassed, bullied, and abused by my own family, and everyone I thought was a friend. Completely misunderstood. Everywhere I’ve worked has always been a nightmare! Really don’t like being around people. Seems like everywhere I worked. I excelled tremendously and made everyone else look bad because I was so good at whatever I did .It has been a waste of real raw talent on people that took advantage of me. It has always turned out bad. But I know that God loves me, that’s why I’m still going. This has hit me pretty hard about hobo shoestring because he was really smart and had many talents. But was very comfortable all alone. That’s exactly how I am,rest in peace shoestring.
Just so sad. I was a viewer of his videos although not consistent. He gave us a window into his life which was very brave. God Bless him and his family.
Thank you for for a very touching, and sincere video, a worthy farewell to Mark as he have left for his final journey. I will miss his videos a lot. Sad greetings from Norway
Shoestring was a book of knowledge for anything trains. Enjoyed watching his videos and always learned something mechanical, historical and geographical in all his travels. Thanks for being in our hearts sir.
Just heard about him recently and started watching his channel.. So very sad. I’m from Johnson City so I’m familiar with the Boone Lake area. Hate to hear he struggled so much with his physical and mental health. Rest in Peace.❤
I'm an old timer who used to ride the highline back in the 1970s. Be it Minot or Wishram or some yard in between, catching out in a rail town was the way to enjoy America. Watching Shoestring's travels reminded me of those days. If I didn't join the conventional working world I would have been happy to live life like he did, be it on a Cadillac grainer or hitching a ride in Alaska in Winter. He didn't fit into a usual conventional life, but he still succeeded way beyond any of us via his humanity. I sure am going to miss his video updates. My sincere sympathies to his family, those directly related to him, and the hundreds of thousands who knew him through his videos.
Thank you for making this video towards Mark. It’s definitely challenging to make but you still came through to recognize and show love and support towards Shoestring. May he rest in peace and enjoy his life in a better place
Father of all, we pray to you for Mark and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to him eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 🌿 From one 'ol Texas boy who loves trains to another... 🚂🚃🚃🚃
This reminds me of my brother. Last summer he came to live with me after being homeless for a year. He has depression (he lost everything), physical health issues, anxiety, paranoia, and he is suicidal at times. It’s hard to deal with. He can’t work and he has no money. When he first came here, I asked the universe to give me a message that I could share with him that would help him to get better. Later that day, I found a sticker that said “Be Kind.” I knew right away that the message was for me.
Sadly sleep deprivation is very dangerous even during the most mundane tasks and can happen to anyone. I'm so sorry that he was experiencing that in his last moments but I pray he walks gently with the Lord now in a place where our passions from our earthbound life are free to soar.
Totally shocked with this such such sad news, comeiserations to all his family an friends.The youtube community just wont be the same without mark, rip hobo shoestring love from England.
Ran across his chanel by accident a few years ago Good man and interesting man RIP Hobo Your spirit will always be riding the iron road for ever He seemed like such a gentle soul
May the Lord bless you, Hobo Shoestring and grant you entrance into His kingdom ❤ For he is loved with an everlasting love ❤️ This new adventure will not disappoint. Thank you, Cayote, for honoring Mark as you have and calling out evil speakers whose hearts of full of hate and bitterness. I agree with you. Revelation chapters 21-22. See ya again shoestring ❤❤❤
You know i worked with a guy that served four terms in Vietnam, he was my lead man. He and i went out to the meeter shack on a Saturday morning years ago and we all had training about poison gas's and what not to do. My lead man got to the bottom of that pit and fell forward on his face . It took me two seconds of thawt to come to the realization that this man served four terms in Vietnam and how would i live with myself if i followed protocol and ran for a phone knowing he would die if i didnt go down there and get him. I went down the ladder like a fireman, i lifted him onto my shoulder and carried Tom to the top of the ladder and took a deep breath. I got fired that day, cuz i broke protocol, but i didnt care cuz that man went through hell for four terms for this country in Vietnam and that was the least i could do for him that day! He was a good man just like Mark. Support our veterans, show them that we respect the sacrifices they made for all of us.
What a LOVELY tribute about Mark and thanks for sharing them with all of us "Shoestring" fans. Mark will live on in our hearts and be spiritually with us every day when we watch his and other train videos. I was hoping and praying for a miracle that he would be found alive but deep inside, I was fearing the WORST news about him that we found out today. He is at peace now and will NEVER suffer again. I will deeply miss seeing his latest videos on TH-cam and I hope and pray that the family keeps his channel on TH-cam for us to enjoy his videos for many years to come. Rest in peace, Mark, and we will see you again someday. 😢🙏
I had the honor of meeting Hobo Shoestring a few years ago and enjoyed the pearls of wisdom he shared that day. May The Angels of The Lord Bring Peace and Comfort to His Family and His TH-cam Community. Ride On Hobe Shoestring.
![Tragic ! 30 Horrifying Moments of Animals Colliding with Trains [Part2]](/img/n.gif)
Thank you for putting out this video. Like so many of Marks followers on his ride-outs, I was there with him too. I've been stuck in a wheel-chair for 25 years now and his freedom was my chance of a bit of escape from these four walls and this chair, over here in Scotland, UK. Our trains move faster so we don't get the chance to ride trains like the Hobo's do in a tradition in America that goes back to the beginning of rail-roads in the USA; often because they had to because of no work in the Great Depression, or because society wouldn't let folks fit in. Sending condolences from the heart, to you, his family and all the Hobo Family he had out there. You keep safe and all the best to you and all with you there, sir. Take care now and with such sadness, thank you again. God Bless you all.
Thank you for sharing that with us and God bless you.
Really touching post. I agree Shoestring videos were nostalgic for me too. Thanks and God Bless.
Let's not forget that he was also an army veteran I'm a Army vet myself and I feel that I lost another brother😢
@@chrisbennett3193😢thank you for your service, thank you to Hobo Shoestring
Thanks for sharing & sorry you lost a friend, I followed him for years , first strobe now Mark.
Didn't know him personally, but he came across as a kind and gentle soul, RIP Shoestring!
RIP SUPER PERSON. YOU WILL BE MISSED.
So sad.😢
Indeed
Yes he seemed like a gentle soul. Thank you for saying that.
I had only just started watching Shoestring's videos, and was looking forward to more. I am very sad to learn of his death. God bless him.
I was a railroad supervisor, but met some very nice hobos, in my days. There was one, who I distinctly remember, named Midwest John. He’s probably gone now too. They used to say, when a hobo passed, the had caught ‘The Westbound.’
I'll sure miss ole Shoestring. I've been watching him for 6 or 7 years now and really feel like I knew him. I really feel like I lost a good friend today although I never met him. Rest In Peace Mark. Enjoy that everlasting train ride in heaven, brother.
What happened to him?
I'm a Shoestring fan for about 6 years myself,Here in Australia,I feel like you do.
We all have lost our friend....
Shoestring,may you enjoy the great railway in the sky,roll on,friend.
I know that feeling. I'm sad today with knowing he is gone and will never see another new video again.
@@uuuultrahe had some medical issues and ended up in the lake behind his house and drowned.
Well said.
Thanks for putting this up. I know it's hard for you. Shorstring was definitely a unique individual, we probably won't come across another like him in our lives. I'm thankful for the videos he left us❤
Thank you
Thanks for the tribute to Hobo Shoestring. He was also an Army veteran, I think Shoestring said once. Rest in peace, Hobo Shoestring.
His MOS was a helicopter mechanic.
Good, surprising information here!
Shoestring's knowledge was incredible. He was a good man. He had a huge heart. RIP Shoestring. You will be missed.
As a retired railroader I got a kick watching shoestring, we used to meet riders occasionally, some real characters! Mark took big risks doing rides, but he lived life on his way, rip hobo
The CIA spook had his death faked for him. They are Masons on TH-cam. That's why TH-camrs have all this money and get away with crazy things.
Very sad. Watched his videos for 6 or 7 years!! I'm a railroad fan since I was 6 yrs old. I'm 76 now and will really miss Hobo Shoestring videos. RIP Shoe !!!!
He was a very intelligent man. He was a kind soul.
You are loved by many and will be missed but, never forgotten.
Rest in peace Brother.
What happened?
@@uuuultraShoestring was found dead in Boone Lake, Jhonson City TN
@@uuuultra Shoestring was an Army veteran, unemployable, turned away by hospital, suicide.
I know,he was so cool just shocked and Sad thought about him all day on sunday
@@lc3853why is our country turning down veterans?
Mark's passing has deeply saddened me, I met him personally in Springfield, Missouri in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Yard in the summer of 2017 where I was homeless at the time. Praying for Mark and his family..
How did he pass on man? Was is it an accident or did he take his life, what happened man?
@@selvamthiagarajan8152seemed like such a great guy. It’s so very sad. I saw another video they said where he was going through things but nothing else said. No idea if true.
I’m so sorry
Very sad. As a train lover, for me, Hobo Shoestring led a life that I have only fantasized about. He wasn't homeless, he lived his life by his own choice and riding the rails was what he wanted to do. God Speed Shoestring.
Mark has a very nice townhome that backed to the lake.
His home is immaculate, ordered, decorated, beautifully with train motif and train collections & memorabilia from fans that was, thoughtfully, displayed thrroughout his home. Truly a cozy, comfortable 'home'.
He's an impressive cook who, again kept an immaculate, orderly, kitchen.
His homebase was for when he needed to be stationery for medical & doctor appointments.
His love was being on the rails.
I was try not to cry and type my feelings of that old coot......... thank you for your words
@@ednajewell491 yes he wasn't the regular hobo. He was the Best
I have watched Shoestring for several years and loved to hear his stories. He was truly one of a kind and he will surely be missed. I pray for comfort and peace for his family.
RiP
I only became aware of Hobo Shoestring 2 days ago - purely coincidental timing. I watched one of his videos and then I found out he was currently missing. Saddened to hear of this outcome. He seems like a top guy and had so much respect reading all the comments. Ive always had an interest in the hobo tradition in the USA and the geography of your fantastic country, Mark seemed like the personification of wanderlust in a sadly disappearing age. I'll certainly go back and watch his videos and enjoy the legacy he has left. From the UK - thank you Mark, rest in peace Sir.
My husband and I have watched Hobo Shoestring’s videos for the past 3 years. Our hearts are sad that we won’t seeing anymore of his videos. Good bye Mark Nichols. You will be missed 💔
Well said we will miss him in 🇦🇺
He was a good man, RIP shoestring, good bless his soul. May the good people like you have peace and happiness.
🙏 that was nice
Hobo Shoestring is riding on the most beautiful train to heaven . Thank you for all of the great videos .
This cut me up. Shoestring was unique, free spirited like a child but with old soul wisdom, a sense for adventure and a friendly kind fellow, who I found fascinating and entertaining. He was also humble, I remember him kindly replying to a comment I left him once. Roll On, and RIP
You described him perfectly. He will be missed.
It's upsetting 😢
I just started to watch his videos and then read he passed. What a shame and sad. I was never a train guy but his videos were honest and his real life. I will watch all his videos now for sure. RIP shoestring HOBO. Ride them trains up in heaven.
My heart is so broken! I have been watching Hobo Shoestring for years, and enjoyed every minute of his adventures. I learned a lot from him. God Bless him, he was loved by so many. 😢❤
Mark lived his life exactly the way he wanted and he was at peace on earth. Shoestring we are all going to miss you and we all love you rider. Rest In Peace
I was so sad to see the announcement on our local news. He was found 45 minutes from where I live. The hospital should have held him for observation but Ballad isn’t known to actually care.
I hope he is in peace now. He lived life on his terms and we should all be so lucky. Ride with the wind Shoestring.
What was he in the hospital for? Was he sick?
Thank you for your kind and compassionate words of tribute. It's touching to hear the love and concern in your voice and words.
Thank you
Dearest Mark Nichols "Hobo Shoestring", you will be missed greatly, and every time I see a train, it will always remind me of how much I enjoyed your videos, sharing experiences, stories, and magnificent views from the train, and most of all seeing how much you enjoyed these experiences. Thank you for sharing these times. It was like I was on the ride with him. From the times of your travels to your favorite place and checking out apartments in Alaska, to riding around in the golf cart while visiting your dad, filming your apartment and showing train models, and gifts from fans, the National Hobo Convention to your daily rides, I greatly appreciated you taking us along. I started watching Hobo Shoestring's channel during the pandemic and with the views and stories, it was a nice ride along. His filming, editing, talks, description, and ability to see from riding a train perspective was amazing and appreciative. My heart goes out to him, and to his family and friends. I hope during the next National Hobo Convention, there is a memorial in his honor, as it is well deserved. His stories and experiences will live on, especially every time I see a train. All the best, Mark Nichols "Hobo Shoestring" and to his family. Ride on in memory.
www.youtube.com/@TheHoboShoestring
Rip mark 😂
Thanks for the tribute…. Shoestring had issues, but tried hard to deal with them. I’m a disabled vet and know what he went through. Even so, everyone that has to deal with these issues is different. Saying goodbye to Mark is hard; he was a tough old bugger with a great attitude. I never learned of what happened to his son in Alaska, but I’m sure it all played a part. It doesn’t 9:33 matter how many people love you and are helping you, when the demons come, it’s time to go. I pray to our dear God, Lord and Holy Spirit that you embrace Mark in heaven and allow him to ride heavens rails for eternity.
I’m reminded of the death of Hobo Stobe some years ago… if you are not familiar with him, look him up on the tube and see what a character he was.
God bless you Shoestring, I never met you, but you are in my heart. RIP.
RIP Shoestring! Your example of living life to the fullest will never be forgotten!!
Well said... so bad it had to end for us. ..got a feeling he riding with God in the engine theses days
Thank you for the update bud. RIP brother you'll be missed by alot of us.
He will be riding the "Heaven rails (on a Cadillac Grainer ;)" with O'l Stobe! RIP to both of them. They found the American dream - the pursuit of happiness. He will be a Legend. I railroaded for 41 years and I look up to Shoestring as a real railroader and he did it with the Hobo honor.
Yup him and stobe lived the life!! Both legends!
What happened to him?
@@uuuultrahe was found in the lake at his apartment
Thank you Sr for your railroad service.. God bless you
Hobo Heaven
Thanks for this beautiful tribute video. I loved watching Shoestring's videos! They were always awesome, informative and very entertaining! He'll be very missed but never forgotten by his many rail fans. He was such a first class, caring and loving individual. Rest in peace Shoestring. 🚂
Such a Free Spirit and kind individual! He did what he loved to do and follow his own path. As a veteran brother, I thank him for his service and for showing others to follow your dreams. Safe travels Mark... You can rest peacefully, From a Vietnam Era Marine Corps veteran.
As a vet, he proudly served his country. As a "hobo", he enjoyed the hell out of life! RIP, Mark...
@@rvnmedic1968 You are so right! We all could take a lesson or two from him and just live for your compassion in life. Take care and thank you for commenting. He will live in all who followed him! Namaste.
Thanks for sharing this story 😢. He was so loved
Goodbye Shoestring. Tens of thousands of us will miss your stories, and miss going along with you, looking for the right car and the right train and dodging the bulls. It’s not going to be the same around here.
Hundreds of thousands.
A lot has gone downhill since the 1930's depression, when freight train riding was a necessity. Sometimes it still is.
Hobo Shoestring Ride those trains in heaven
thank you sir for putting this video out and thanks for your service to our country rip
My friend is gone..I'm so glad I got to know him
😢🙏
😢❤❤❤❤
😢we love you hobo
We love you so much from South Dakota. From clifford and Karen Lilly
Thanks for putting out the comments about huge stream. I’ve been watching him for almost 3 years and yes I will miss him and all my prayers and everything you’re out to him. Thank you.
I am beyond saddened to hear of Mark's passing. I loved watching his stories and knowledge of train hopping. The man was an encyclopedia of the rails. Even if his video only showed passing scenery, I feel like I was right there with him exploring America. To Hobo's family and many friends, I send my sympathies and prayers. May your fond memories help to carry you through this incredibly difficult time. Godspeed Mark, you will be missed by all of us and I hope you're riding the heavenly rails.
Thank you for the very kind heart-felt tribute to Shoestring. It really breaks my heart that he is no longer with us, but he will ALWAYS live on through our thoughts and his videos.
Every man has two deaths, when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name.
R.I.P Shoestring
❤
Long live shoestring!
THANKS for sharing and the Tribute to Mark / Shoestring :( May he Rest In Peace and Ride on! So many of us never knew him, BUT MUCH RESPECT indeed! Take care all and he IS and WILL be missed! My Condolences to his Family and Friends.
OMG, This is the first i have heard about shoestring missing and found in a lake!!! Shoestring was a man who had friends everywhere he went!! He was so knowledgeable about trains, their uses, routes and the entire world of trains! I will miss his adventures and his excellent videos he presented here on you tube!!! shoestring was a kind soul and will Be remembered for his adventures, sharing and kindness to his fellow man!! God bless you on your new journey my friend!!
Mark may have gone, but his memory will always live on in his videos...
RIP Mark.. Thanks for the memories and experiences.. .
Hobo Shoesting will be missed. I enjoyed watching his videos. He knew a lot about trains and did a great job showing views he passed by. RIP hobo shoestring
My roommate and I went to Iowa to pay tribute to him. Mark was a genuine human being, a man of God and a lovely friend that we never met but felt we knew thorough his videos. We also felt blessed in getting to know the hobo community. I honestly feel like kindred spirits. We're fans of Southern Rail Fan and the railfanning community. God bless you for making this and blessings to you and yours.
Thank you mark I will miss you dearly
Thank you for that tribute and for the photos of Shoestring. May he rest in peace.
Thank you
Can almost see him riding one of those grainers going by in your video 😢
RIP Shoestring, ride on brother!
Qué pena más grande, extrañaremos su forma de hablar y de ver el mundo, las semillas que plantaba al borde de la línea, las historias y los comentarios sobre los trenes y las estaciones, el notable poema que leyó una vez. Un gran hombre sin duda, siempre he sido "railfan" y cuando lo ví por primera vez hace tres o cuatro años, me recordó cuando yo era niño y recorría los patios de estaciones, ,e pareció que tenía el mismo sentido. Descansa en paz gran Hobo Shoestring, te extrañaremos. (Sorry for writt in spanish, from Chile)
Thank you for the kind words.
Thanks for the sad news.
From the UK and around the world's TH-cam Shoestring viewers.
Mark, Hobo Shoestring RIP in God's hands.
Condolaces to his relatives.
He came over as a kind, peaceful, loveable man who had troubles in his life and illness.
I hope he realised that he gave a lot on his channel to his viewers.
Thanks for sharing your life with us.
May he be at a peaceful rest, with God.
What a kind, thoughtful, tribute. Thank you for taking the time to voice appreciation & show respect to a man whose, simple pleasure, was sharing the lifestyle he enjoyed.
For those who followed Mark, you had to admire his intellect, humility, passion, compassion, and vast knowledge of railways.
He was a very kind soul.
Thank you
That was a beautiful tribute with the RR cars and all. You and your dad spoke exactly what was of what was in many of our hearts about Shoestring. Yes, I felt I was riding with him too via his videos. I hope a lot of the Shoestring fans see this. May God keep, bless, and enrich Shoestring's soul in The Kingdom Of Heaven.
Thank you
I just discovered him some months ago. I think the important thing to remember is never forget the kind people in our lives.
I'm sorry for your loss. I understand how you feel. Just a year ago, I had been following a TH-camr and watched her videos almost every day, I felt like I knew her. On April 7 of last year, I read a nessage on her Instagram and it was apparent that she was ready to take her own life. People from all over the world who read the message called the police where she lived only to find that she had typed the message three days earlier and only timed it to be released that day. It was too late, she was already gone, I didn't know her in person, but I cried for weeks, and even now I still cannot believe she actually is gone. My heart goes out to you and to all of his followers, friends and family,
I have been following Shoestring for many many years and enjoyed so many of his videos learned so much from him He always made me smile an he surely will be missed. Canada 🇨🇦 loved 🥰 watching so many of his videos. God please look over our loving 🥰 brother May you Rest In Peace 🙏
This fu**ing hurts.
Ya I like the guy too
Hurts really bad..
It's horrible I'm shocked never expected this
He was a good guy, R.I.P SHOESTRING YOU WILL BE MISSED
Simply "Thank you" Ignited Coyote, for your presentation of "Shoestring". RIP and ride the rails with pleasure and freedom. God be with You.
Thank you!
Thanks for letting everyone know. May Mark rest in peace. So many have gained so much from his videos…his positive message will not be forgotten.
I've been watching his channel for almost three years now and he has got me through a severely difficult time. Rest in peace hobo shoestring
Thank you for making this video for him. He will be missed
You're welcome
It’s very hard to know that life goes on without shoestring, it hearts my heart so bad I can’t stop crying. I’m 62 former rail road conductor. Six years ago, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Everything in my life made sense after I found out. It’s been almost a living hell my whole life and I only want to be away from people can’t stand being around people. I’m extremely talented and very intelligent, have built many airplanes, restored many vintage airplanes to perfection. I’m extremely talented, but I hate being around people . Rest in peace, brother.
I hope you feel better soon. ❤
I’m not sure it’s possible to “feel better” when that’s what’s going on. The sensory overload can be unbearable - the noise, the movement, the hard-to-speak-of sensing of what people *might* be thinking about you - especially if you have a lifelong history of being harassed, bullied and abused by your family *AND* society as a whole.
Formally diagnosed at 47.
@@dennisyoung4631 Dennis, I want to thank you very much for your response. You are spot on exactly right 100%. Much of my life I’ve been on unbearable, overload, harassed, bullied, and abused by my own family, and everyone I thought was a friend. Completely misunderstood. Everywhere I’ve worked has always been a nightmare! Really don’t like being around people. Seems like everywhere I worked. I excelled tremendously and made everyone else look bad because I was so good at whatever I did .It has been a waste of real raw talent on people that took advantage of me. It has always turned out bad. But I know that God loves me, that’s why I’m still going. This has hit me pretty hard about hobo shoestring because he was really smart and had many talents. But was very comfortable all alone. That’s exactly how I am,rest in peace shoestring.
I am Asperger's also.... It's not our fault that the rest of the world is too slow
Same here. He made me feel like there were others out there like me. Thankfully we have his videos still.
Just so sad. I was a viewer of his videos although not consistent. He gave us a window into his life which was very brave. God Bless him and his family.
We all love you Shoe String, Good bye, Dear friend 😢.
Thank you for for a very touching, and sincere video, a worthy farewell to Mark as he have left for his final journey. I will miss his videos a lot. Sad greetings from Norway
Thank you
R.I.P. Hobo Shoestring. Thank You for bringing me along on your adventures,Sir. 😢
RIP Shoestring, riding “with you” over the years brought me a great deal of peace and solitude, thank you! Rest easy, rest easy!
Hi Ignited. Heard the information earlier. Deepest sympathies prayers and condolences to all his family and friends
Thanks Jonathan, we're sure going to miss his videos.
I’ve only watched a handful of his videos. I will now watch the entire catalog from the start. I’m am very sad to hear this news. RIP Hobo Shoestring.
Shoestring was a book of knowledge for anything trains. Enjoyed watching his videos and always learned something mechanical, historical and geographical in all his travels. Thanks for being in our hearts sir.
Just heard about him recently and started watching his channel..
So very sad. I’m from Johnson City so I’m familiar with the Boone Lake area. Hate to hear he struggled so much with his physical and mental health. Rest in Peace.❤
I'm an old timer who used to ride the highline back in the 1970s. Be it Minot or Wishram or some yard in between, catching out in a rail town was the way to enjoy America. Watching Shoestring's travels reminded me of those days. If I didn't join the conventional working world I would have been happy to live life like he did, be it on a Cadillac grainer or hitching a ride in Alaska in Winter. He didn't fit into a usual conventional life, but he still succeeded way beyond any of us via his humanity. I sure am going to miss his video updates.
My sincere sympathies to his family, those directly related to him, and the hundreds of thousands who knew him through his videos.
Thank you for making this video towards Mark. It’s definitely challenging to make but you still came through to recognize and show love and support towards Shoestring. May he rest in peace and enjoy his life in a better place
Thank you
Father of all, we pray to you for Mark and for all those whom we love but see no longer. Grant to him eternal rest. Let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen. 🌿
From one 'ol Texas boy who loves trains to another... 🚂🚃🚃🚃
Such a nice tribute for a man loved and envied by so many of us. RIP Shoestring
Goodbye hobo we all loved you. And you'll always be the hobo King.
God bless you SHOESTRING, RIP. you will be missed , Shipmate. Fair Winds and Following Seas, fellow JC/TN vol, vet, and hobo.
My condolences to his Family , Now he belongs to the Angels ! Rest Well HOBO You'll be Missed but not forgotten.
This reminds me of my brother. Last summer he came to live with me after being homeless for a year. He has depression (he lost everything), physical health issues, anxiety, paranoia, and he is suicidal at times. It’s hard to deal with. He can’t work and he has no money. When he first came here, I asked the universe to give me a message that I could share with him that would help him to get better. Later that day, I found a sticker that said “Be Kind.” I knew right away that the message was for me.
Sadly sleep deprivation is very dangerous even during the most mundane tasks and can happen to anyone. I'm so sorry that he was experiencing that in his last moments but I pray he walks gently with the Lord now in a place where our passions from our earthbound life are free to soar.
R.I.P. kind sir! Such a talented man! He gave us such memories and views of our beautiful country!
We will miss your adventures Shoestring.
Happy Rails Until We Meet Again My Friend.
Totally shocked with this such such sad news, comeiserations to all his family an friends.The youtube community just wont be the same without mark, rip hobo shoestring love from England.
Ran across his chanel by accident a few years ago
Good man and interesting man
RIP Hobo
Your spirit will always be riding the iron road for ever
He seemed like such a gentle soul
That's so sad. I've been following his videos for years.
May the Lord bless you, Hobo Shoestring and grant you entrance into His kingdom ❤ For he is loved with an everlasting love ❤️ This new adventure will not disappoint.
Thank you, Cayote, for honoring Mark as you have and calling out evil speakers whose hearts of full of hate and bitterness. I agree with you.
Revelation chapters 21-22. See ya again shoestring ❤❤❤
Thank you!
Please take your weird religious nonsense out of this, poor guy has just died.
This is so sad, he was too young to leave us. He will surely be missed. God bless you for letting us know. R.I.P. Mark.🙏🌹🙏
RIP my friend. I enjoyed your videos. You lived a life most of us only dreamed about. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
You know i worked with a guy that served four terms in Vietnam, he was my lead man. He and i went out to the meeter shack on a Saturday morning years ago and we all had training about poison gas's and what not to do. My lead man got to the bottom of that pit and fell forward on his face . It took me two seconds of thawt to come to the realization that this man served four terms in Vietnam and how would i live with myself if i followed protocol and ran for a phone knowing he would die if i didnt go down there and get him. I went down the ladder like a fireman, i lifted him onto my shoulder and carried Tom to the top of the ladder and took a deep breath. I got fired that day, cuz i broke protocol, but i didnt care cuz that man went through hell for four terms for this country in Vietnam and that was the least i could do for him that day! He was a good man just like Mark. Support our veterans, show them that we respect the sacrifices they made for all of us.
Rip Shoestring!!! Thoroughly enjoyed all your vids brother!!!! My sincere condolences to the family. Peace n love from NY
Sorry to hear. Just started following his channel on here in last couple months. Enjoyed his stories and videos. RIP Shoestring 🙏
Awfully sad news Coyote's, I've been watching him for several years, he will be missed terribly. 😢🙏 Thanks for posting!
Thanks Mitch, he'll sure be missed at our house.
One of a kind. Loved his videos and just watched one last night in fact. So sad to learn he has passed.
What a LOVELY tribute about Mark and thanks for sharing them with all of us "Shoestring" fans. Mark will live on in our hearts and be spiritually with us every day when we watch his and other train videos. I was hoping and praying for a miracle that he would be found alive but deep inside, I was fearing the WORST news about him that we found out today. He is at peace now and will NEVER suffer again. I will deeply miss seeing his latest videos on TH-cam and I hope and pray that the family keeps his channel on TH-cam for us to enjoy his videos for many years to come. Rest in peace, Mark, and we will see you again someday. 😢🙏
Sad News indeed.
I enjoyed watching " Shoe String's" videos.
R.I.P Mark!
Best Wishes to all from Montana! M.H.
RIP thanks to all that searched.
I had the honor of meeting Hobo Shoestring a few years ago and enjoyed the pearls of wisdom he shared that day. May The Angels of The Lord Bring Peace and Comfort to His Family and His TH-cam Community. Ride On Hobe Shoestring.
So sad watched Hobo's videos quite a bit RIP Shoestring.
God bless him, his videos made me smile on dark days. R.I.P. sir
I'm so sad I loved his videos and I wanted to meet him in person I just lived 30 miles from him in Kingsport Tennessee
He was a great guy to talk to I got to meet him a few times RIP bud your troubles are gone
Thank you for sharing. I'm going to miss his journeys and adventures. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Rest easy brother ❤
God bless and provide comfort for his family.
Shoestring seemed like an excellently good-hearted person. Above and beyond.
Thank you for putting this video out ... I just started watching Marks video's today. He seems like he was a very gentle soul. R.I.P Hobo-Shoestring!