Mike Bednar hospitalized, now recovering from stroke

[GOLDEN-ARM]

Dave, on a sadder note, my son John called me last Friday night to tell me that Mike Bednar had a stroke at work last week. I believe it was last Wednesday. John called Mike to wish him happy birthday (because it's the same day as our daughter-in-law) and didn't get an answer. So he called Danny (Mike's brother). Danny didn't answer either, but called back later and left a message that Mike had a stroke. Mike had numbness in one of his arms and his speech is slurred. Danny said Mike was home but wasn't answering any calls. I'll let you know if I hear better news.

This news came from a good LV friend, and employee. Keep Mike in your thoughts, and my personal wishes to him, and his family, for a full recovery

[TB Diamond]

My prayers are for Mike and his family. Have rarely known a kinder and more generous gentleman than Mike.

[scottychaos]

get better soon Mike!

Scot

[GRSJr]

Hope you get well soon, Mike.

[Matt Langworthy]

Get well soon, Mike. Your books, stories and pictures mean alot to me.

[charlie6017]

Get well soon, Mike. Your books, stories and pictures mean alot to me.

Same with me...............hope you get better, Mike!

[ANDY117]

Who is this guy? A LV employee/railfan?

My thoughts go out to him and his family. Get well soon!

[GOLDEN-ARM]

Who is Mike Bednar? Only the last great historian/employee, of the Valley. Mike, and his brothers, worked for, and documented, the end of service, during the final decade of service, with the Valley. An author of three Valley color picture books, a monthly article in The Railroad Press, supplier of pictures, anectodtes, stories and memorabilia, to other peoples books, and probably the single nicest, kindest and warm hearted railroader, to ever work a tower, on the Valley. You GOTTA have all three of those books, and get the back issues of TRP, if you want to know about the Valley, from early 60's, to the end. Mike was a towerman, block operator, train dispatcher, engineer, and road foreman of engines. He was still working, for the R&NRR, at the time of his stroke. Probably the single, most significant source, of Valley operating info, from his era.......

[TB Diamond]

Additionally, Mike is Secretary/Treasurer for the Lehigh Valley Railroad Veterans' Association and serves as editior of their newsletter.

[Andyt293]

Several years ago, I bought Mike's LV New York Division book and my buddy (a non-railfan) was giving me a hard time about the price and spending so much for a book. Then he started paging through, and his tune changed pretty quick.

Mike's eye for the events of the day is phenomenal. Although, I do not know him personally, I wish him all the best and hope for a speedy, uneventful recovery.

[charlie6017]

Anyone have an update on Mike yet?

[GOLDEN-ARM]

Update on Mike Bednar, from a few minutes ago. I just got a message, and here's the important bit:
"Danny informed him earlier this week that Mike coming along very well. The numbness in Mike's arm is gone and is going to therapy. Apparently Mike still has some speech problems but is answering the phone now. "
Slowly, but surely, Mike looks to be getting ahead of this.

[glennk419]

That's great news. Our thoughts and prayers go out for a full recovery.

[GRSJr]

Sounds like really good news. Go for it Mike. We all love you.

[jmp883]

I've enjoyed Mike's work and always hoped he'd put together a book of his articles and photos. He writes in a style that makes you feel like you are in the tower next to him as he is pulling the levers.

I was sad to hear the news of his stroke but upon returning home from 2 weeks of vacation this evening I was glad to log onto Railroad.net and see that he's most definitely improving!

Hang in there Mike! Our thoughts and prayers are with you for a full recovery!