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. ua-cam.com/video/OimfvA0nftE/v-deo.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 UA-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.
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.
They dont make men like him anymore. He showed us all something that touched our soals and got our attention. To those out there that got to be around him and knew him this must be heavy on your hearts. I didnt know Mark but ive known men like him and there very few in numbers. God bless to the family and for Mark's friends, keep the memories of him in your hearts and show the world there's a little bit of Mark in all who embraced and befriended him.
My God. I had no idea until moments ago on another video of a retired Hobo. He mention Shoestring was gone. What a sad day now RIP Shoestring. I always enjoyed hearing you speak and seeing this country through your lense. Your knowledge of the Rails and towns was fascinating to us all. You will be missed Sir
I’m so gonna miss his content! I always looked for him when going by rail yards always hoped to see him! So I could tell him how much I appreciate him and content!
I just subscribed the other day. Then I noticed he hadn't put out a video in over 5 months. I feared something happened to him. May he rest in peace!🙏😔
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.
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 .
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.
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 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.
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!
Shoestring was an extremely rare combination of attributes that make an exceptional person. Watching trains lost its shine, just a little bit. RIP Shoestring.
He wouldn't want that. He'd want you looking for rides, just as he would... so that when you catch the westbound, as he has, you'll ride safe, comfortably, and ready for the next leg of the journey.
@@lookingbehind6335 no this was just stated in his videos by Mark himself and sleep walker's can do anything a woke person can do, even grab keys lock doors start car's even heard of people making food and eating it. Mark would talk about the med's he took he said it would make him groggy for three days. It's my belief this is how he died. And only my belief. I refuse to believe he committed suicide not like that.
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.
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
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......
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
UA-camr Kent Krueger bullied Shoestring in the months before his passing. He's still talking trash. His most popular videos are about Shoestring. It's disgusting.
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.
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.
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 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. I've been waiting to know the results of his autopsy. I miss seeing him and hearing his voice. It's as though he is a member of my own family.
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......
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.
I'm definitely going to Miss Shoestring and his awesome videos, im attempting to make a Tribute video to him as soon as im able to, my Railfan channel is free and I don't edit anything so anyone who wants to watch them can do so , ill apologize for not uploading any videos on there but work and being in a lights out town makes it harder to get anything on Video. Many prayers for shoestrings family.
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
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.
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
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!"
RIP Mark. I pray that you knew the Lord Jesus Christ. I was inspired by your videos Mark, Prayers to his family!! Does anyone have any idea about how/why this happened? So, so Sad.
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.
He liked to go down there and think .The lake was partially drained and there are steep rocks .I assume he slipped and hit his head on a slippery rock and it was to steep to climb out
@@lorettashepherd. Most of all Shoestring. He said in one of his videos (the one where he almost drowned in a lake in Alaska taking a bath) that he thought drowning was the worst possible way to go. This was most likely an accident, he was almost blind and in poor health.
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
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 ❤
There's a section of the cemetery at Britt IA, that's for hobos, but no one is actually buried there. Maybe ashes of those that have been cremated have been interned under a few of the head stones. It's a memorial park to those that caught their final west bound train. Shoestring attended the convention in 2022, and ran for Hobo King, but wasn't elected Unfortunately I wasn't there, and missed the opportunity to meet him. Shoestring wasn't a regular attendant of the convention. 2022, and maybe a few times in the 90's. to early 2000's. There has been some talk about acquiring his Yeti bucket, and donating it to the Britt Hobo Museum. Maybe his close friends, and family could make that happen.
In 2022 “Hobo King” was ridiculously awarded to a “new hobo” for what appeared to be political reasons. After that said he probably wouldn’t return to Britt. Shoestring was a veteran who deserved that award. I felt for him. He earned it.
Shoestring was disappointed but magnanimously passed the torch to Batman. He even encouraged him to make videos about his experiences. Not sure who has the video of this. Just admired his humility and acceptance.
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’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.
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 !!
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.
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. ua-cam.com/video/OimfvA0nftE/v-deo.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 UA-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 !!!
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’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!!!
They dont make men like him anymore. He showed us all something that touched our soals and got our attention. To those out there that got to be around him and knew him this must be heavy on your hearts. I didnt know Mark but ive known men like him and there very few in numbers. God bless to the family and for Mark's friends, keep the memories of him in your hearts and show the world there's a little bit of Mark in all who embraced and befriended him.
I think Mark made a lasting impression for the best on most of us who got to know him thru videos and remembrances by those who knew him personally.
My God. I had no idea until moments ago on another video of a retired Hobo. He mention Shoestring was gone. What a sad day now RIP Shoestring. I always enjoyed hearing you speak and seeing this country through your lense. Your knowledge of the Rails and towns was fascinating to us all. You will be missed Sir
Rip shoestring loved the videos, going to miss you
RIP Mark you touched so many lives and we will miss you
I’m so gonna miss his content! I always looked for him when going by rail yards always hoped to see him! So I could tell him how much I appreciate him and content!
Will be missed. From Australia.
This is so sad, we all love Hobo Shoestring.
I've seen his insignia on the passing rail cars on the CPKS line.
RIP Shoestring. I see your chalk signature on a bridge support everyday i depart eola yard.
I just subscribed the other day. Then I noticed he hadn't put out a video in over 5 months. I feared something happened to him. May he rest in peace!🙏😔
We will always love him 😢
Sad. He had great videos and spirit.
Hobo Shoestring gone much too soon. RIP Shoestring.
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❤
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
Heartfelt tribute. "Beautiful" piece of artwork honoring Mark. RIP Shoestring.
RIP MARK NICHOLS aka " HOBO SHOESTRING" . May he ride the rails to his hearts content. 😃🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃
Thank you for the update.
R.I.P. Mark , you may be gone from this world but Never Forgotten!
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.
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
Well done, as one bard to another.
Wow. That brought a tear to my eyes! Such a beautiful tribute.. he would have really liked it ❤️❤️❤️
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❤
This was a well done and beautiful video for Mark. Thank you! God Bless🙏
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!
Thank you for keeping us updated he will be missed
Shoestring was an extremely rare combination of attributes that make an exceptional person. Watching trains lost its shine, just a little bit. RIP Shoestring.
He wouldn't want that. He'd want you looking for rides, just as he would... so that when you catch the westbound, as he has, you'll ride safe, comfortably, and ready for the next leg of the journey.
Perfectly said. @@macofalltrades6396
A very respectful video. I miss him Riding rails & telling tales. Love the mural and poem. Beautiful.
Well done! Thank you for the update. RIP Shoestring. I'm going to really miss you.
Thank you
So no cause of death? Assuming drowning, no disrespect at all!! Missing my friend!!
If you go back to his videos he talked about sleep walking on medication that would help him sleep. If you study sleep walking it's dangerous.
@@Jedi_Pimp
Has the medical examiner confirmed what you are claiming?
I can’t find anything except people’s theories, opinions and conspiracies.
@@lookingbehind6335 no this was just stated in his videos by Mark himself and sleep walker's can do anything a woke person can do, even grab keys lock doors start car's even heard of people making food and eating it. Mark would talk about the med's he took he said it would make him groggy for three days. It's my belief this is how he died. And only my belief. I refuse to believe he committed suicide not like that.
A man like Hobo doesn't commit suicide
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.
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
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......
Thank you for the final update and goodbye to the legend, Hobo Shoestring. Happy Trails, Mark. 🚂
Thanks for the thrills. And the adventures
Mark Nichols taught us a lot about trains and life.
And more !
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
UA-camr Kent Krueger bullied Shoestring in the months before his passing. He's still talking trash. His most popular videos are about Shoestring. It's disgusting.
I hate that guy for what he said about shoestring, I gave him a piece of my mind the other day. That UA-cam channel should be shut down forever
God Bless you Shoestring, we'll miss you! A Friend
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.
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!
Rest om Peace Mr Mark Hobo Shoestring God Bless from Auckland New Zealand 🇳🇿❤️🙏
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!
What a gentle soul ! R.I.P. Mark .Thank you for sharing your world with us.
I miss Shoestring I made videos honoring him on my channel 😢 😭
Love that his urn has a train. =)
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. I've been waiting to know the results of his autopsy. I miss seeing him and hearing his voice. It's as though he is a member of my own family.
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.
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.
I'm definitely going to Miss Shoestring and his awesome videos, im attempting to make a Tribute video to him as soon as im able to, my Railfan channel is free and I don't edit anything so anyone who wants to watch them can do so , ill apologize for not uploading any videos on there but work and being in a lights out town makes it harder to get anything on Video. Many prayers for shoestrings family.
Couldn't a movie be made based on shoestring.
That would be wonderful
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
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
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?
R.I.P. Mark "Shoestring".
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
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!"
UA-cam is not going to be the same without shoestring
Any update on his fate? When someone so low seems happier than most folks with so much, you gotta ask yourself whos the wealthy one?
Mental illness is brutal.
thanks for the update the thumbnail was a beautiful tribute
Thanks
❤Yes please 🙏 continue to make ShoeStrings Merchandise! 🙏 Pleae
Deepest condolences
Rip i will miss hobo shoestring making video's i will allways wach hobo shoestring video's
Shoestring, share a cold one with Stobe.
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
Can't watch a train without thinkingyour on one . 😢😢 rest easy from Ferguson m.o hobo .
My Son and I loved watching Shoestring. He made exceptional videos.
Im still wondering what happened to Shoestring ? Was it an accident,foul play, suicide, or what ? RIP Shoestring 🙏✝️
I guess he knew how much we loved him huh? I hope so. There sure was a boat load of us who did! A couple boat loads at that.
Have they determined the cause of death yet?
I love the urn in the Go Fund me page
Thanks to Trinity Memorial Funeral Home for the beautiful custom urn for Mark “Shoestring”
Is there a funeral service for him Shoestring. ?
RIP Mark. I pray that you knew the Lord Jesus Christ. I was inspired by your videos Mark, Prayers to his family!! Does anyone have any idea about how/why this happened? So, so Sad.
so happy u did this video loved the painting its so beautiful rip shoestring
Thank you
I don’t think he died on April 5 he probably died on the day he went missing
For sure
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 always think that Jack Kerouac and Woody Guthrie would have been warm friends with Mark.
Still wondering how he wound up in the lake
He liked to go down there and think .The lake was partially drained and there are steep rocks .I assume he slipped and hit his head on a slippery rock and it was to steep to climb out
Sure he committed suicide, none of us will never know very strange indeed....
@markchick1663 maybe. Well never know
@@markchick1663no one commits suicide by drowning
@@lorettashepherd. Most of all Shoestring. He said in one of his videos (the one where he almost drowned in a lake in Alaska taking a bath) that he thought drowning was the worst possible way to go. This was most likely an accident, he was almost blind and in poor health.
Is he going to have military funeral or cremation.he not csx
I am personally reaching out to CSX and NS to see if they are will tag one or two of there engines or rolling stock with his signature at the least.
Shoe string you are missed very sad R I P
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.
Rest in Peace Mark! May your life be remembered each time we hear a train whistle blow. You will be always remembered. !
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
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
There's a section of the cemetery at Britt IA, that's for hobos, but no one is actually buried there. Maybe ashes of those that have been cremated have been interned under a few of the head stones. It's a memorial park to those that caught their final west bound train. Shoestring attended the convention in 2022, and ran for Hobo King, but wasn't elected Unfortunately I wasn't there, and missed the opportunity to meet him. Shoestring wasn't a regular attendant of the convention. 2022, and maybe a few times in the 90's. to early 2000's. There has been some talk about acquiring his Yeti bucket, and donating it to the Britt Hobo Museum. Maybe his close friends, and family could make that happen.
In 2022 “Hobo King” was ridiculously awarded to a “new hobo” for what appeared to be political reasons. After that said he probably wouldn’t return to Britt. Shoestring was a veteran who deserved that award. I felt for him. He earned it.
Shoestring was disappointed but magnanimously passed the torch to Batman. He even encouraged him to make videos about his experiences. Not sure who has the video of this. Just admired his humility and acceptance.
UA-cam decided to correct me. I typed Bazzman.
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’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.
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 !!
We've lost two good men now, Stobe the hobo and now hobo Shoestring. RIP gentlemen.
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.
He was loved by many people❤ Don't know much about him😢😢
love the idea of a movie! And the memorial. Got to be a screenwriter in the Shoestring Army who can do that.
Thanks Man that really hit hard ,Love'd watching his Vidieos , Ride them rails Head High shoestring , Ride High Rest in Peace
They should give him one more ride in a box car open so people can salute him 😢
I was off for 3 years on workers comp,Shoestring and Jaw Tooth kept me entertained. Thanks to the both of them! RIP Shoestring 🙏
Thank you so so so much for keeping us updated.
RIP shoestring! Ride the rails in heaven
Ty for the beautiful video.. 😢❤
Thank you