Talking Points Cam Beach Dedication

Cameron Beach Yard Dedication Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 10 a.m.

Cameron Beach Yard

Tom Nolan Talking Points  Thank you, Ed. As Board Chairman for the SFMTA, I had the honor and privilege of working with Cam Beach for just over four years.  Cam was one of the most versatile and accomplished Board members I’ve ever encountered in my years with the Agency.  He was a respected policymaker on a local, regional and national level, a visionary executive who respected the contributions of the hardworking men and women on the front line.  He was a coach and mentor to many of us on the Board, eager to explain the ramifications of a decision or how something worked.

 But perhaps, above all, he was a man of the people and never forgot his responsibility to those he served.  And yes, as most all of you know, Cam loved anything that rolled, flew, rode on rails or was pulled. He knew more about the nuts and bolts of how transit operated than perhaps anyone I have known. His 44 years of service to the transit industry and his amazing legacy of accomplishments stand for themselves.  The quintessential historian, Cam was a dedicated preservationist, with longstanding ties to not only the SFMTA, but to the Bay Area Electric Railroad Association, the Pacific Bus Museum and to the Market Street Railway.  It is only fitting that today we christen the former Geneva Yard, the Cameron Beach Yard. After all, it was Cam who championed the construction of this yard’s Historic Car Enclosure, ensuring a deserving home for the rolling history that lives here.

 Cam Beach’s passion and enthusiasm for our world, the world of public transportation, was unparalleled.  Director Beach approached each challenge with zeal, and always from the vantage point of the customer, never losing sight of public transit’s responsibility to serve those who needed it most.

Thank you.  At this time I would like to invite all past and present Board members to join me at the podium.

(After Board members have gathered at the podium, please read the following.)  In attendance today are members of the Cameron Beach family. Family members, we would be honored if you would assist us with the unveiling of the Cameron Beach memorial plaque.

(Family members join past and present Board members. Mr. Nolan and family members jointly unveil the bronze plaque.)  At this time, I would like to introduce Carmen Beach.

(Carmen speaks. After she finishes Mr. Nolan returns)  Thank you, Carmen. Cam’s son, Tim, is here today. Tim, would you like to say a few words?