Ted Cheesman, a cherished friend and dedicated volunteer of the South Coast Railroad Museum, passed away on November 21, 2010. Known for his warmth, commitment, and his unique circus train, Ted left an indelible mark on the museum and its visitors. His circus train became a beloved feature of the museum’s summer events starting in 1998. That year, during the Steaming Summer celebration, four of Ted’s circus-train cars were added to a ride train, with other cars displayed for visitors. The water-squirting elephant and bubble-blowing bear were immediate crowd favorites, captivating visitors of all ages.
Ted joined the museum in 1997 alongside his longtime companion, Lavonne Sanchez. Together, they trained as two of the museum’s earliest Coast Starlight program volunteers, consistently working as a team until shortly before his passing. Their dedication extended to Goleta Short Line (GSL) operations, where they volunteered as conductors and station agents during special events. Ted’s generosity shone in 2003–2004 when he and Lavonne provided a substantial donation to kickstart the campaign to purchase a new engine for GSL locomotive No. 1316.
Over time, Ted became a regular GSL engineer, contributing not only his time as a volunteer but also his skills in track-building and repair. One of his memorable projects was helping to rebuild a section of GSL track after a 100-foot Monterey pine toppled onto the grounds in 2003.
Ted’s legacy of dedication, warmth, and enthusiasm for the museum lives on in the memories of those who knew him. In his honor, the museum received a memorial donation from fellow volunteer and museum supporter Eugene Allen, reflecting the lasting impact of Ted’s contributions to the museum and the community.