This is a link to a video of Mark's friend Troy Miller aka (anywhere man hobo) scattering some of shoestring's ashes on a train ride. th-cam.com/video/OimfvA0nftE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zcdrQ6stGqF_CXoF This is a link to his sister's Facebook, remember you need to be logged into your Facebook account to view her's facebook.com/mary.nichols.771. And this is a link to the GoFundMe page. gofund.me/974aa268 This is a link to an obituary on legacy.com although it doesn't give a lot of information www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/mark-nichols-obituary?pid=206762902 This is a link to his TH-cam channel. youtube.com/@TheHoboShoestring?si=GDhVks6mmnyq300W
I'm pushing 50 but I lived vicariously through good old Shoestring. I grew up hearing about my great grandpa riding the rails during the depression. Shoestring will be missed.
Been watching his videos for years. The breadth and depth of his railroad knowledge was truly impressive. I'm convinced you could drop him blindfolded in any rail yard in the USA, remove the blindfold and her could tell you where he was and identify which rail goes where. HE DIDN'T GUESS, HE KNEW. It was obvious that all the years of his young adult life and adult life and having no home but the rails, he REMEMBERED incredible details about each rail yard and built that knowledge up to become a walking encyclopedia of railroading. He truly was an ambassador for the railroad network. While I'm thankful for his videos, he deserved to have written a book about what he knew. He wasn't just some idiot bum riding trains and that's why I really enjoyed his videos. I learned so much.
Is it possible for his family and friends that did all of his merchandise to PLEASE continue making his merchandise available to all of us who loved him dearly? I just started watching him just before he died. I was a conductor on a freight train on tracks that he road. I also have Asperger syndrome, and I just found out a few years ago. My whole life has made sense to me now I’m 62 years old. I still find myself crying when I watch shoestring. He meant so much to so many people. I never had the chance to buy any of his merch. And I would be so proud to have some of his merchandise. Please consider continue making his merchandise. I’m sure so many people would be happy to have his stuff ! Rest in peace shoestring !
@JohnnyPerth This message is from the shoestring army website under the customer service>contact us links: All of the orders that were placed on or prior to 4/18/24 have been shipped. If you are wondering where your package is, it's on its way.
The last clip of the video Mark is wishing everyone well. You nailed it. That is why everyone loved him so. He was a genuine nice guy to the bone. Thank you Sir for this. Thank you !
Yeah I was making me something to eat and when I heard him say that I kinda got choked up. I remembered the first time I heard him say that. It hit me hard tonight because the first thing I thought was he knew he wasn't going to be around much longer. He knew ! And even so he wished better for his fellow man and gave them comfort when he needed it the most. That's heavy.
Shoestring was an extremely rare combination of attributes that make an exceptional person. Watching trains lost its shine, just a little bit. RIP Shoestring.
I have been watching "Shoestrings" adventures for about 5 years and I felt like I was there with him and I enjoyed the freedom that he shared with us. I was a truck driver for many years and now I sit at a desk to make a living and I miss the freedom of traveling across the country and watching Mark's travels gave me some of that back. God Bless Shoestring ! Rest in Peace my friend......
In the land of boundless sky and track, There roamed a soul, no ties, no lack. "Hobo Shoestring," they called him near, A traveler free, without a fear. With tales as rich as the rolling hills, He rode the rails, with iron will. Through valleys deep and canyons wide, His spirit soared, a nomad's pride. From boxcar door to moonlit night, He found his home in starry light. No mansion grand, no fancy chair, But freedom's song filled the midnight air. He shared his journey with the world, A troubadour, his flag unfurled. With every click of wheels on steel, His stories spun, a traveler's zeal. Through deserts hot and snow-capped peaks, He found the solace that he seeks. And though he's gone, his spirit stays, In every wanderer's winding ways. So here's to Shoestring, bold and true, A vagabond beneath skies of blue. May his memory ride the rails forevermore, In the hearts of those who seek, explore.
The stream of tears cannot stop these words of love and appreciation from my heart, thanks for sharing your beautiful post in honor of Mark, Hobo Shoestring Rest Easy Big Guy. Ride those blinds of gold eternal my friend.
Shoestring helped me relive my carefree days of the 70's of hitchhiking and riding the rails all over the country....... it was guys like him that made the "Hobo Camps" interesting and also passed the knowledge on how to get where you were going........ I have followed him over the yrs just for that reason gonna miss his adventures......... RIP my friend and I hope your new journey takes you high thru the passes once again !!......the end of this video put a tear in my eye , this is a true reflection of who he was and who he met along the way .
I think that it would be absolutely amazing if NS or CSX would partner with the community by tagging one of their engines or rolling stock with a giant shoestring tag in tribute to the man that made their rails his home. That way his memory could continue to ride the rails.
Because of my financial situation i ride a bike to work daily on my way i stop and have a moment of silence and i shout out hobo shoestring! Hobo shadow! We love and miss you! Rest easy, dear friend. I will be doing this for years to come, Lord willing, as long as im alive. There will never be a man like him again. God bless the family. God bless us all in these difficult times. Hope we all get to meet him one day. I once commented on a video a while back explaining my mental health and how he helps me and many daily. He responded with "Hold on bud" i will always remember his words in my hard times. Wishing you all love and peace.
The train is so quiet and even the horn blowing sounded sad. The custom made Locomotive container is so fitting for his ashes. I don't know how he ended up drowning in the lake but Mark took that mystery with him to the next hop out in the here after. Gone but not forgotten.
He wasnt 100% from his medical condition hence why he was home... If he was out at the cove on the lake and he got lightheaded & dizzy again and fell in the shock of that cold water combined with the weakness he was in at that time is what sadly done him in
@@angryyankthanks for that update. I'm real sorry he's gone too. But we can hope that it was painless and I'm glad there was no foul play involved. That was my fear when I heard he was missing.
@@lookingbehind6335 Its more than likely what happened he has had trouble with swimming a couple of times in the past.... It is the only potential conclusion..... Anyone who has watched him for a good while knows this fact about Mark
My, Shoestring was such a unique individual. He shared with us his many adventures on the rails, a life that very few people can live or witness. His life was simple and he wanted so little. Shoestring will always be loved and missed. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless his Family and Friends. Shoestring Please know you touched so many lives!
What a beautiful tribute, thanks for the update. God bless Mark aka Shoestring as i type this tears are in my eyes i miss you what a beautiful man you was & your last words to us were so piognant. Prayers for Mark & his family, got a cadillac in the sky now Shoestring, travelling for eternity. 💔💔💔🙏😢❤Xxxx
I have been checking Shoestrings channel for any updates or new uploads maybe by family members but just his last video. (Campfire Travel stories) so thank-you for your update, appreciate it. RIP Shoestring, miss ya......
To the family and friends of Hobo Shoestring. I think it is time for me to say something in his memory and what I think is right in my heart. I enjoyed his videos and was hoping to meet with him in the near future. I love the railroads as much as he did. He went one step further than I did by riding the rails. He got to see more places, and then a lot of us would in our lifetime. He was a unique man and an enjoyable man who made a safe place for us to enjoy seeing what he saw out in our country, if not more. My heart cries for your loss, and I just lost my mom in February. I know things are hard to believe they are gone, but one day, we will all meet again in the heavens of God. My prayers are always with everyone who is the family and friends of Shoestring. God bless Robert
Great tribute Coyotes! Unfortunately I didn't watch his videos before he passed but now that I have been introduced to them I totally see why he is so loved ❤
Thoughts & Prayers for the Family and Friends , to all those who got to go along in each video . I began watching Mr.Shoestring about a year & half ago , always enjoyed each video .Thats a Beautiful Tribute to Him and Yes He brought happiness into my life with each video , i got one of His tee Shirts and Proud of it !! Thank You Mark , rest easy Sir . Thank You for the video, well done Sir !!
I so miss him and you all have no idea. I looked forward to seeing his new up coming videos for the next ride.😢 Every evening, I come from working a long day waiting for his new post or videos in the evening waiting to hear from his voice and adventures.❤ God bless 🙏 and we truly miss you. And not only speaking for myself, but for all of us as well, #shoestring# have a safe trip on your new adventures.
I just by chance was down by a part of my town where Mark was waiting for a train in the first video that I saw him in. I drove by a store that he mentioned going to in that video. I felt sad to realize that Shoestring won't be showing up there anymore. Still I hope now he has found a lasting peace. I think Mark was a seeker after that peace here and he probably knew more about how to spend the limited time we have here well. I think that is the main reason that so many of us were drawn to him.
Thank you for the update. The mural and poem are perfect. Also the urn. I remember in one video Mark visiting the Hobo Cemetery in Britt and saying that's where he wanted to be laid to rest. When he was missing I watched all his "camp" videos where he would roll out and just talk to us. I agree with your Pop it will take a bit for me to revisit his videos because its still to fresh in my mind. I will be in Britt if they have a memorial there. From St Louis not too long of a drive and can camp by the tracks. Take care enjoy your videos!
I’m a truck driver. I seen him walking down the street one day in piney flats TN,and I stopped,and said hello to him,and told him I subscribe to his channel.
As a fellow driver, I found his knowledge of the geography and rail system truly amazing. In a way how we memorize roads we've been on only a time or two.
I messaged him and told him if he was ever going to be around here to let me know it. 2 years later wouldn't you know it. He answered me and he was around. Of course I was actually in Canada and it bummed me out that I couldn't meet him. Then he came around again. What a very genuine awesome guy he is.
This was a well done tribute. What a guy that Mark “Shoestring” Nichols! He lived life his way, fully and respectfully towards all. I’m reminded that our old friends are like the ship we sail through life. There’s no replacing people like these and there’s nothing better that life has to offer. You are just fortunate to make the trip in their company.
This guy was truly a hero, never bothered anyone. I have lived out in the woods/forest too without a dollar to spare, and learned so much on how to make it with nothing at all, and who does this also? almost no one. I bet there wasn't 1 person out of 1000 that didn't admire Hobo.
It's still hard to believe that we lost Shoestring...I guess he lived his Hobo life for a whole lot of us who couldn't live it..but wished we could..So long old friend..RIP 🖐
I have never noticed trains like I do now because of him! It just seems better now to honor Shoestring! It was so relaxing watching his videos while lying in the bed at night it actually made me sleep better. I guess his demeanor was always so calming!!
Revelation teaches 144,000 go to Heaven. There is the paradise that is open to true Christians. It still pains me that Shoestring and Jim Stobe are gone.
So very sorry for your lost as a railfan I am very sadden to hear of his passing I came across a lot of his videos myself and he was infact the modern day railroad hobo very sorry to have lost such a kind and hearted spirit. Hope he keeps the rails dry for all the crews who work day and day out keep us going, RIP Shoestring we all love you man
Thank you for sharing these last moments with Mark. A beautiful Mural there and as you said, condolences to his Family and thanks to so many folks. The Casket, so sad, is beautiful too. Glad to hear of getting his kit to the museum. I didn't see one 'Cadillac' on that train so the next one, maybe. God bless him, his family, yourself and all who rode with Mark, in spirit. No easy ride sometimes either. All the best and thank you all again. Cheers!
I just discovered Shoestring and his videos late last year, but I was a fan and felt honored to be included into his world. When I heard that he had passed I was and am saddened. RIP Shoestring and condolences to his family and friends. On April 21-2024, I wrote this song (poem) of him. "Hobo Man" 1. Shoestring is gone, 2. A simple man, 3. He took his last train, an era passed by, not needing much, the one that don't end, he rode on the rails, riding the rails, Shoestring in gone, most of his life, just was his love, he's missed by his friends, slept out in barns, you won't see him, slept out barns, and empty boxcars, in jungles no more, and empty boxcars, engineers knew of him. or at bridge crossings, always a wandering, both near and far. he's gone for shore. both near and far. by "campdog"
That last bit is a little eerie to me. Wishing everybody well and longevity and passing away soon after. It seems like he knew the end was near. Just one mans opinion. RIP Shoestring you are missed
Thanks for the update Coyote! I have been wondering how his report came back, he sure is missed, I'll always wonder what happened to him and how he ended up in the lake, I wonder if his cancer had gotten worse or something, may he rest in peace now. I always told him in the comments, "Happy Rails!"
The last time Mark went to the annual Hobo Jamboree he put his name in for King of the Hobo's. The Hobo community let him down by choosing a much younger man with 1/4th of his riding miles. He tried to hide his disappointment, but later said he would not go there any more. I hope they understand how much it affected him.
RIP from New Zealand Mark ❤🔥 only found Shoestring Hobos videos a week ago and I am crying for the loss of a truly beautiful soul felt by all of us who shared the spirit of freedom and kindness he showed us. Thank you 💯💪✨
Mark should have a place of his own in the Hobo Museum. I think he was one of the more prolific hobos and his channel had lots of followers. He tells his stories about his adventures on his channel, but his story should also be told in the museum. He deserves to be remembered and his stories told to future generations.
Beautiful video, that choked me up. I too would fall asleep and wake up to his videos. I always hoped I would run into him someday. I hope they keep his videos up Thanks and again RIP Shoestring.
Rest in peace my friend! You will always be loved and appreciated by everyone around the TH-cam community and may you always have the wind at your back and ride the rails for eternity! Sending love and prayers to your family and friends !
I m really sorry our loss of the Hobo that made great train videos of great train trips that Hobo took for his liking of the rails Please R I. P. There. Hobo may God be with you always ok
Watched Mark through Covid and since. Read all the comments on this vid and gave most of them a thumbs up. As stated by many this vid gives some sort of closure and I thank you for doing it. Will try and watch some of his early vids that I haven't seen. Many regards from Chester UK.
I certainly would like to know what the cause of death was. I understand watching this video that some things have been ruled out. This certainly was a very entertaining man to watch and I will miss him as well. I think the last update should be what the cause of death was according to the medical examiner. Thank you for the update that you did give us.
I miss you Shoestring, I miss waking up in the morning and wondering where you're at, what your next videos going to be about, you're a teacher brother, your curiosity about life and all things trains was so contagious. You'll always be the humble Hobo King to me. BTW I knew when they found you it wouldn't be because of alcohol brother. I never lost faith in you. God bless your family and friends and all the people who love you at this time. You brought this old retired Native American Commercial Fisherman from Southwest Washington, some peace, and laughter and happiness I wouldn't have had without you. Thank you, God bless you Mark. I know you're with your son right now riding the rails in Heaven. Jeffery Blackwolf Longview Washington 🖤 🐺
Im absolutely gutted!! Im from the UK and many nights sitting waiting for freight at Heathrow airport I would watch his whole films. I’ve not had anything come up on my feed so I’ve only just seen this news. Lots of love to all the family, friends and personal acquaintances. Truly upset about this.
I am greatly saddened. I followed Shoestring so many years. I'm devastated. We lost the kindest , most knowledgeable, rail professor this country has ever seen. Probably since the Great Depression. We've lost so many rail lines, now bike trails. Shoestring could tell you the how and why they disappeared and follow up with whats left for us to reflect on and enjoy. The steel rail still ain't heard the news. It will resonate the freedom he sought. I'm confident he found it . That was catching a train where ever. He finally caught the West Bound and our great loss!. The hobo jungles are a a memory. He kept their fires burning. Shoestring always reminded us of that. He endured the cold winds, snow and freezing rain. He reminded us, freedom isn't always comfortable. It's hard won! God Bless you Shoestring. Those gates also have a, no toll straight line to St. Pete!
I do wanna thank you for this update.It's gonna help to bring about closure.And I wanted a little bit more information than I had had already.And you did that in a wonderful way. So again.Thank you very much.
This is a link to a video of Mark's friend Troy Miller aka (anywhere man hobo) scattering some of shoestring's ashes on a train ride. th-cam.com/video/OimfvA0nftE/w-d-xo.htmlsi=zcdrQ6stGqF_CXoF
This is a link to his sister's Facebook, remember you need to be logged into your Facebook account to view her's facebook.com/mary.nichols.771.
And this is a link to the GoFundMe page. gofund.me/974aa268
This is a link to an obituary on legacy.com although it doesn't give a lot of information www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/mark-nichols-obituary?pid=206762902
This is a link to his TH-cam channel. youtube.com/@TheHoboShoestring?si=GDhVks6mmnyq300W
Rock on hobo shoestring school of train’s alumni
We are going to miss you mark thanks for all the videos thanks for texting me I just hope you was ready to go mark
that legacy site has too many ads
Thanks for the links!
I don't have Facebook, but I have Mark's address. I will do the go fund me thru that
I'm 76 years old and this brought tears to my eyes! I watched him all the time. He will be terribly missed. Rest in PEACE buddy.
I'm with you Bill !!! I'm also 76 yrs old. Watched Mark religiously!!!
I'm pushing 50 but I lived vicariously through good old Shoestring. I grew up hearing about my great grandpa riding the rails during the depression. Shoestring will be missed.
I'm rolling on towards seventy years now,and this news has me broken hearted.....Real men do cry..Take care buddy .
@@101jumpitIndeed we do !!!
Yes. So sad.
Been watching his videos for years. The breadth and depth of his railroad knowledge was truly impressive. I'm convinced you could drop him blindfolded in any rail yard in the USA, remove the blindfold and her could tell you where he was and identify which rail goes where. HE DIDN'T GUESS, HE KNEW. It was obvious that all the years of his young adult life and adult life and having no home but the rails, he REMEMBERED incredible details about each rail yard and built that knowledge up to become a walking encyclopedia of railroading. He truly was an ambassador for the railroad network. While I'm thankful for his videos, he deserved to have written a book about what he knew. He wasn't just some idiot bum riding trains and that's why I really enjoyed his videos. I learned so much.
Thank you for the update.
R.I.P. Mark , you may be gone from this world but Never Forgotten!
Is it possible for his family and friends that did all of his merchandise to PLEASE continue making his merchandise available to all of us who loved him dearly? I just started watching him just before he died. I was a conductor on a freight train on tracks that he road. I also have Asperger syndrome, and I just found out a few years ago. My whole life has made sense to me now I’m 62 years old. I still find myself crying when I watch shoestring. He meant so much to so many people. I never had the chance to buy any of his merch. And I would be so proud to have some of his merchandise. Please consider continue making his merchandise. I’m sure so many people would be happy to have his stuff ! Rest in peace shoestring !
^^^^THIS!!!!
His family stated they had not heard from the merch guy at all 😮
@@JohnnyPerth sounds odd.
@JohnnyPerth This message is from the shoestring army website under the customer service>contact us links:
All of the orders that were placed on or prior to 4/18/24 have been shipped. If you are wondering where your package is, it's on its way.
I would love to be able to still purchase some of Shoestring's merch❤
The last clip of the video Mark is wishing everyone well. You nailed it. That is why everyone loved him so. He was a genuine nice guy to the bone. Thank you Sir for this. Thank you !
He sure was a nice guy and he will be missed.
Yeah I was making me something to eat and when I heard him say that I kinda got choked up. I remembered the first time I heard him say that. It hit me hard tonight because the first thing I thought was he knew he wasn't going to be around much longer. He knew ! And even so he wished better for his fellow man and gave them comfort when he needed it the most. That's heavy.
🙏 RIP❤
What a gentle soul ! R.I.P. Mark .Thank you for sharing your world with us.
Shoestring was an extremely rare combination of attributes that make an exceptional person. Watching trains lost its shine, just a little bit. RIP Shoestring.
Perfectly said. @macofalltrades6396
I have been watching "Shoestrings" adventures for about 5 years and I felt like I was there with him and I enjoyed the freedom that he shared with us. I was a truck driver for many years and now I sit at a desk to make a living and I miss the freedom of traveling across the country and watching Mark's travels gave me some of that back. God Bless Shoestring ! Rest in Peace my friend......
I agree with everything you said... also an ex-truck driver now a desk jockey :(
Marks vids were a release into what I was missing.
This was a well done and beautiful video for Mark. Thank you! God Bless🙏
Mark Nichols taught us a lot about trains and life.
And more !
Thank you for the final update and goodbye to the legend, Hobo Shoestring. Happy Trails, Mark. 🚂
Thanks for the thrills. And the adventures
In the land of boundless sky and track,
There roamed a soul, no ties, no lack.
"Hobo Shoestring," they called him near,
A traveler free, without a fear.
With tales as rich as the rolling hills,
He rode the rails, with iron will.
Through valleys deep and canyons wide,
His spirit soared, a nomad's pride.
From boxcar door to moonlit night,
He found his home in starry light.
No mansion grand, no fancy chair,
But freedom's song filled the midnight air.
He shared his journey with the world,
A troubadour, his flag unfurled.
With every click of wheels on steel,
His stories spun, a traveler's zeal.
Through deserts hot and snow-capped peaks,
He found the solace that he seeks.
And though he's gone, his spirit stays,
In every wanderer's winding ways.
So here's to Shoestring, bold and true,
A vagabond beneath skies of blue.
May his memory ride the rails forevermore,
In the hearts of those who seek, explore.
What a beautiful tribute.
Nice poem perciate it hombre.
Thank you that is beautiful ❤️😍 take care God bless you
Wow. That brought a tear to my eyes! Such a beautiful tribute.. he would have really liked it ❤️❤️❤️
The stream of tears cannot stop these words of love and appreciation from my heart, thanks for sharing your beautiful post in honor of Mark, Hobo Shoestring Rest Easy Big Guy. Ride those blinds of gold eternal my friend.
A very respectful video. I miss him Riding rails & telling tales. Love the mural and poem. Beautiful.
Thank you for keeping us updated he will be missed
Heartfelt tribute. "Beautiful" piece of artwork honoring Mark. RIP Shoestring.
Shoestring helped me relive my carefree days of the 70's of hitchhiking and riding the rails all over the country....... it was guys like him that made the "Hobo Camps" interesting and also passed the knowledge on how to get where you were going........ I have followed him over the yrs just for that reason gonna miss his adventures......... RIP my friend and I hope your new journey takes you high thru the passes once again !!......the end of this video put a tear in my eye , this is a true reflection of who he was and who he met along the way .
I tear up every time I hear him say that
I think that it would be absolutely amazing if NS or CSX would partner with the community by tagging one of their engines or rolling stock with a giant shoestring tag in tribute to the man that made their rails his home. That way his memory could continue to ride the rails.
That is a great idea!
Because of my financial situation i ride a bike to work daily on my way i stop and have a moment of silence and i shout out hobo shoestring! Hobo shadow! We love and miss you! Rest easy, dear friend. I will be doing this for years to come, Lord willing, as long as im alive. There will never be a man like him again. God bless the family. God bless us all in these difficult times. Hope we all get to meet him one day. I once commented on a video a while back explaining my mental health and how he helps me and many daily. He responded with "Hold on bud" i will always remember his words in my hard times. Wishing you all love and peace.
The train is so quiet and even the horn blowing sounded sad. The custom made Locomotive container is so fitting for his ashes. I don't know how he ended up drowning in the lake but Mark took that mystery with him to the next hop out in the here after.
Gone but not forgotten.
He wasnt 100% from his medical condition hence why he was home... If he was out at the cove on the lake and he got lightheaded & dizzy again and fell in the shock of that cold water combined with the weakness he was in at that time is what sadly done him in
@@angryyankthanks for that update. I'm real sorry he's gone too. But we can hope that it was painless and I'm glad there was no foul play involved. That was my fear when I heard he was missing.
@@angryyank
That’s a probably without doubt but not confirmed.
@@lookingbehind6335 Its more than likely what happened he has had trouble with swimming a couple of times in the past.... It is the only potential conclusion..... Anyone who has watched him for a good while knows this fact about Mark
@@mikeschillinger4427 I am sure quite a few of us had the same thought & yw Mark was a helluva good man... Gonna miss him
My, Shoestring was such a unique individual. He shared with us his many adventures on the rails, a life that very few people can live or witness. His life was simple and he wanted so little. Shoestring will always be loved and missed. May he Rest in Peace. God Bless his Family and Friends. Shoestring Please know you touched so many lives!
What a beautiful tribute, thanks for the update. God bless Mark aka Shoestring as i type this tears are in my eyes i miss you what a beautiful man you was & your last words to us were so piognant. Prayers for Mark & his family, got a cadillac in the sky now Shoestring, travelling for eternity. 💔💔💔🙏😢❤Xxxx
I have been checking Shoestrings channel for any updates or new uploads maybe by family members but just his last video. (Campfire Travel stories) so thank-you for your update, appreciate it. RIP Shoestring, miss ya......
Well done! Thank you for the update. RIP Shoestring. I'm going to really miss you.
Thank you
RIP MARK NICHOLS aka " HOBO SHOESTRING" . May he ride the rails to his hearts content. 😃🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃
Thank you so so so much for keeping us updated.
To the family and friends of Hobo Shoestring. I think it is time for me to say something in his memory and what I think is right in my heart. I enjoyed his videos and was hoping to meet with him in the near future. I love the railroads as much as he did. He went one step further than I did by riding the rails. He got to see more places, and then a lot of us would in our lifetime. He was a unique man and an enjoyable man who made a safe place for us to enjoy seeing what he saw out in our country, if not more. My heart cries for your loss, and I just lost my mom in February. I know things are hard to believe they are gone, but one day, we will all meet again in the heavens of God. My prayers are always with everyone who is the family and friends of Shoestring. God bless Robert
Great tribute Coyotes! Unfortunately I didn't watch his videos before he passed but now that I have been introduced to them I totally see why he is so loved ❤
Thanks CL
Thoughts & Prayers for the Family and Friends , to all those who got to go along in each video . I began watching Mr.Shoestring about a year & half ago , always enjoyed each video .Thats a Beautiful Tribute to Him and Yes He brought happiness into my life with each video , i got one of His tee Shirts and Proud of it !! Thank You Mark , rest easy Sir . Thank You for the video, well done Sir !!
I so miss him and you all have no idea. I looked forward to seeing his new up coming videos for the next ride.😢 Every evening, I come from working a long day waiting for his new post or videos in the evening waiting to hear from his voice and adventures.❤ God bless 🙏 and we truly miss you. And not only speaking for myself, but for all of us as well, #shoestring# have a safe trip on your new adventures.
Rest in Peace Mark! May your life be remembered each time we hear a train whistle blow. You will be always remembered. !
My Son and I loved watching Shoestring. He made exceptional videos.
I just by chance was down by a part of my town where Mark was waiting for a train in the first video that I saw him in. I drove by a store that he mentioned going to in that video. I felt sad to realize that Shoestring won't be showing up there anymore. Still I hope now he has found a lasting peace. I think Mark was a seeker after that peace here and he probably knew more about how to spend the limited time we have here well. I think that is the main reason that so many of us were drawn to him.
Thank you for the update. The mural and poem are perfect. Also the urn. I remember in one video Mark visiting the Hobo Cemetery in Britt and saying that's where he wanted to be laid to rest. When he was missing I watched all his "camp" videos where he would roll out and just talk to us. I agree with your Pop it will take a bit for me to revisit his videos because its still to fresh in my mind. I will be in Britt if they have a memorial there. From St Louis not too long of a drive and can camp by the tracks. Take care enjoy your videos!
I’m a truck driver. I seen him walking down the street one day in piney flats TN,and I stopped,and said hello to him,and told him I subscribe to his channel.
As a fellow driver, I found his knowledge of the geography and rail system truly amazing. In a way how we memorize roads we've been on only a time or two.
@@arleighburke9095be nice
I messaged him and told him if he was ever going to be around here to let me know it. 2 years later wouldn't you know it. He answered me and he was around. Of course I was actually in Canada and it bummed me out that I couldn't meet him. Then he came around again. What a very genuine awesome guy he is.
This was a well done tribute. What a guy that Mark “Shoestring” Nichols! He lived life his way, fully and respectfully towards all. I’m reminded that our old friends are like the ship we sail through life. There’s no replacing people like these and there’s nothing better that life has to offer. You are just fortunate to make the trip in their company.
Thank you
I was off for 3 years on workers comp,Shoestring and Jaw Tooth kept me entertained. Thanks to the both of them! RIP Shoestring 🙏
God Bless you Shoestring, we'll miss you! A Friend
This guy was truly a hero, never bothered anyone. I have lived out in the woods/forest too without a dollar to spare, and learned so much on how to make it with nothing at all, and who does this also? almost no one. I bet there wasn't 1 person out of 1000 that didn't admire Hobo.
It's still hard to believe that we lost Shoestring...I guess he lived his Hobo life for a whole lot of us who couldn't live it..but wished we could..So long old friend..RIP 🖐
I have never noticed trains like I do now because of him! It just seems better now to honor Shoestring! It was so relaxing watching his videos while lying in the bed at night it actually made me sleep better. I guess his demeanor was always so calming!!
We will miss you mark the stories you told and the happiness your bring to people R IP my friend see you on the other side
Rest om Peace Mr Mark Hobo Shoestring God Bless from Auckland New Zealand 🇳🇿❤️🙏
You were loved by many, including me. RIP my friend. You were quite the man. I know your riding the rails in heaven . never met you but loved ya.
Revelation teaches 144,000 go to Heaven. There is the paradise that is open to true
Christians. It still pains me that Shoestring and Jim Stobe are gone.
So very sorry for your lost as a railfan I am very sadden to hear of his passing I came across a lot of his videos myself and he was infact the modern day railroad hobo very sorry to have lost such a kind and hearted spirit. Hope he keeps the rails dry for all the crews who work day and day out keep us going, RIP Shoestring we all love you man
thanks for the update the thumbnail was a beautiful tribute
Thanks
Thank you for sharing these last moments with Mark. A beautiful Mural there and as you said, condolences to his Family and thanks to so many folks. The Casket, so sad, is beautiful too. Glad to hear of getting his kit to the museum. I didn't see one 'Cadillac' on that train so the next one, maybe. God bless him, his family, yourself and all who rode with Mark, in spirit. No easy ride sometimes either. All the best and thank you all again. Cheers!
😢😢 hobo shoestring is going to be missed I always enjoyed watching his videos may he rest in peace
I will miss him. He brought me much happiness with his videos. God bless him. May he rest in peace.
I’ll never watch trains the same way again. ❤
So true.
Me either
no more hobos to watch
@@uuuultraone less frickin' hobo to bother with, you mean!
You said it man!!!
I just discovered Shoestring and his videos late last year, but I was a fan and felt honored to be included into
his world. When I heard that he had passed I was and am saddened. RIP Shoestring and condolences to his family and friends. On April 21-2024, I wrote this song (poem) of him.
"Hobo Man"
1. Shoestring is gone, 2. A simple man, 3. He took his last train,
an era passed by, not needing much, the one that don't end,
he rode on the rails, riding the rails, Shoestring in gone,
most of his life, just was his love, he's missed by his friends,
slept out in barns, you won't see him, slept out barns,
and empty boxcars, in jungles no more, and empty boxcars,
engineers knew of him. or at bridge crossings, always a wandering,
both near and far. he's gone for shore. both near and far. by "campdog"
That last bit is a little eerie to me. Wishing everybody well and longevity and passing away soon after. It seems like he knew the end was near. Just one mans opinion. RIP Shoestring you are missed
Thank you for the update. It's amazing that Hobo Shoestring made such an impact on people. I will go back and watch his videos.
After seeing this, I was crying and my condolences to him and his family. RIP Shoestring. 🙏 🕊
Thanks for the update Coyote! I have been wondering how his report came back, he sure is missed, I'll always wonder what happened to him and how he ended up in the lake, I wonder if his cancer had gotten worse or something, may he rest in peace now. I always told him in the comments, "Happy Rails!"
TH-cam is not going to be the same without shoestring
God bless that man I never met him didn’t know him but I loved him thank you Mark for everything RIP
so happy u did this video loved the painting its so beautiful rip shoestring
Thank you
Love that his urn has a train. =)
The last time Mark went to the annual Hobo Jamboree he put his name in for King of the Hobo's. The Hobo community let him down by choosing a much younger man with 1/4th of his riding miles. He tried to hide his disappointment, but later said he would not go there any more. I hope they understand how much it affected him.
RIP from New Zealand Mark
❤🔥
only found Shoestring Hobos videos a week ago and I am crying for the loss of a truly beautiful soul felt by all of us who shared the spirit of freedom and kindness he showed us.
Thank you 💯💪✨
Ty for the beautiful video.. 😢❤
Thank you
Thanks for such a sensitive, respectful and considerate update. Love the artwork by Loujean. Nice touching sign-off, too. 1 Cor 11:54-56.
Thank you, and I did a typo .. 1 Cor *15:* 54-56 -- Subscribed, All.
Nice I loved HoBo Shoestring and he definitely deserves the attention 👏
Jesus Christ is King Amen 🙏.
A M E N
thanx for posting this, when i saw the urn he was placed in, i lost it :( R.I.P Mr. Nichols
Mark should have a place of his own in the Hobo Museum. I think he was one of the more prolific hobos and his channel had lots of followers. He tells his stories about his adventures on his channel, but his story should also be told in the museum. He deserves to be remembered and his stories told to future generations.
We've lost two good men now, Stobe the hobo and now hobo Shoestring. RIP gentlemen.
Deepest condolences
Oh and thank you for posting this update Sir.
You are very welcome
Prayers for all his.family and friends.
First Stobe, now Shoestring.
It's too much. So very tragic.
Now the hobo from the channel, "human cargo" is missing
@@adampaulwillis1976?
Didn't hear about this.
I feel ya,,stobe was the first I found in 2013 when I was researching train hopping then shoestring others too..
@@adampaulwillis1976yeah I was looking him up recently he's been under the radar since he and his girl departed from eachother
@@adampaulwillis197676..lol that's the year I was born
Beautiful video, that choked me up. I too would fall asleep and wake up to his videos. I always hoped I would run into him someday. I hope they keep his videos up
Thanks and again RIP Shoestring.
Rest in peace my friend! You will always be loved and appreciated by everyone around the TH-cam community and may you always have the wind at your back and ride the rails for eternity! Sending love and prayers to your family and friends !
Thank you so much for keeping us updated
I m really sorry our loss of the Hobo that made great train videos of great train trips that Hobo took for his liking of the rails Please R I. P. There. Hobo may God be with you always ok
I just started watching this week and is sad he gone now.
Thank you for the update
Thank you for your update and if you have more please continue to send it along. 🙏✌️❤️
Watched Mark through Covid and since. Read all the comments on this vid and gave most of them a thumbs up. As stated by many this vid gives some sort of closure and I thank you for doing it. Will try and watch some of his early vids that I haven't seen. Many regards from Chester UK.
Thank you
Wonderful video. God Bless!
Thank you
Such a sweet and wonderful man R. I. P
I certainly would like to know what the cause of death was. I understand watching this video that some things have been ruled out. This certainly was a very entertaining man to watch and I will miss him as well. I think the last update should be what the cause of death was according to the medical examiner. Thank you for the update that you did give us.
He committed suicide
@@tac6044
Can you confirm that Was the official coroner's/medical examiner's report?
Thank you for this update.
I will keep my eyes out for his tags. Thanks for the update
Thank you for the report on Shostring,may he rest in peace.😢😢😢😢
I love trains, and I enjoy watching videos of people who love trains.
Hobo Shoestring was that and more. A gentle soul, a wanderer . . .
Blessed be
Damn, wasnt expecting his message at the end, definitely cried a bit. Thank you Shoestring.
Wow, what a wonderful tribute to Hobo Shoestring whose life impacted so many people. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.
I love watching mark Shoestring’s videos
I miss you Shoestring, I miss waking up in the morning and wondering where you're at, what your next videos going to be about, you're a teacher brother, your curiosity about life and all things trains was so contagious.
You'll always be the humble Hobo King to me.
BTW I knew when they found you it wouldn't be because of alcohol brother. I never lost faith in you.
God bless your family and friends and all the people who love you at this time.
You brought this old retired Native American Commercial Fisherman from Southwest Washington, some peace, and laughter and happiness I wouldn't have had without you.
Thank you, God bless you Mark. I know you're with your son right now riding the rails in Heaven.
Jeffery Blackwolf
Longview Washington
🖤 🐺
Happy landings matey. I am the other side of the pond but you have been an educational inspiration. Thank you aint enough.
Thank you Mark for gracing our lives...
RIP mark a true legend you’ll never walk alone 🙏🇬🇧
That mural of hobo shoe string should be on a silo or something near a train track. That would be awesome. Even a barn or something.
Im absolutely gutted!! Im from the UK and many nights sitting waiting for freight at Heathrow airport I would watch his whole films. I’ve not had anything come up on my feed so I’ve only just seen this news. Lots of love to all the family, friends and personal acquaintances. Truly upset about this.
He will be missed I watch all of his videos and love them 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you! He will be missed by so many 💔 He's up there riding the rails in peace and harmony. R.I.P #Shoestring❤
Thank you so much for this Update IgnitedCoyote I really appreciate It.
You're very welcome!
I am so going to miss his videos. I was in tears. Best wishes and condolences to the family.
Aw man. I'm tearing up. We lost a gentle soul. Such a nice tribute.
Thank you
I am greatly saddened. I followed Shoestring so many years. I'm devastated. We lost the kindest , most knowledgeable, rail professor this country has ever seen. Probably since the Great Depression. We've lost so many rail lines, now bike trails. Shoestring could tell you the how and why they disappeared and follow up with whats left for us to reflect on and enjoy. The steel rail still ain't heard the news. It will resonate the freedom he sought. I'm confident he found it . That was catching a train where ever. He finally caught the West Bound and our great loss!. The hobo jungles are a a memory. He kept their fires burning. Shoestring always reminded us of that. He endured the cold winds, snow and freezing rain. He reminded us, freedom isn't always comfortable. It's hard won! God Bless you Shoestring. Those gates also have a, no toll straight line to St. Pete!
I do wanna thank you for this update.It's gonna help to bring about closure.And I wanted a little bit more information than I had had already.And you did that in a wonderful way. So again.Thank you very much.
You are so welcome!