The Greatest Train Robber Ever - Confessions of a Theme Park Worker

Рет қаралды 4,182

3 жыл бұрын

The Frisco Silver Dollar Line at Silver Dollar City has a long history. There have been many robbers, conductors and engineers on the steam train. But in all of those years, there is one that stands out above and beyond the others. This is a little bit of his story and how he affected so many around him
You can find the gofundme to help with his funeral expenses and other costs at gofund.me/f7442c49
A behind the scenes look at what a former worker at Disney World, Silver Dollar City, and Busch Gardens Florida experienced in his time working at the parks. From driving large safari trucks around live wild animals while cracking one silly joke after another, to spending 5 years as a #PhotoPass photographer at #WaltDisneyWorld and seeing and experiencing all sorts of things, to being a conductor and #trainrobber on the famous Frisco Silver Dollar Line at #SilverDollarCity. With 10 years of working in the parks, there's lots of stories to tell. Here is some of them...
Not only did I work in theme parks for 10 years, I've visited a whole lot of them as well. Here's some stories of great visits, not so great visits, favorites, reviews, and much more.
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Пікірлер: 69

@stlouisrocker100 3 жыл бұрын

He really was my favorite of the robbers. Whenever we saw him out there, we knew the robbery show was going to be a hoot.

@JasonPullara 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sorry for your loss, sir. This is a really fitting tribute to his professional body of work.

@RR_RailfanAdventure43 3 жыл бұрын

Rick was everything that to the City. He made guests laugh with that sixth sense of his! However, this video makes me tear up as I am saying this! He w as s that type of guy! Probably THE BEST conductor/robber that has ever worked there!! This is so heartbreaking to everyone who knew him! And I know how that feels like when you lose someone, especially Rick! May god rest his soul, he will be deeply missed! ❤❤🌹🌹🕊🕊

@tch497 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so very saddened to hear about Rick's passing. I became friends with him when I worked during the 2017 season. The same season he left. I worked down at Expo and he would come help out from time to time. He was such a nice man. I had just lost my father to a stroke in Jan 2017 and told him how my dad loved motorcycles and always rode (I never rode them). Well he offered to take me on a motorcycle ride to kind of honor my dad. So one day we ended up riding to roaring river and back. I had so much fun. I will always cherish that memory. RIP Rick

@goaway73 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so honored that you made this video. One of my best memories was watching my dad Rick hord rod or conduct the train it was a tradition I carried on with my children. He is my hero my legend if I can only be half the man he was I'd be happy. I was a foster child my brother and I. My brother was 14 and I was 16 when we meet Tammy and Rick. I didn't know at that time how lucky we were . As time went on dad and I had so much fun with hydorplans and well if it pumped fuel we were all over it . For everything my dad was at silver dollar city he was 10 times the dad . This man had the patience of Jobe until he didn't. I can remember a very scary ride home when my car broke down out way out way from were I was supposed to be and way past curfew. When he told he to go to bed I'll see you in the morning I wasn't so sure lol . But my dad was a beautiful gift that God shared with the world. If you ever wonder do miracles happen just think of my dad Rick hord and you will have your answer. Most importantly we didn't louse dad he's with us all every time we think of something he shared or taught us or anytime you go to the sdc train. There's my dad . Ps the visit you guys wouldn't take no for meant the world to my dad . He talked about you guys often and how all of you guys going to see him was exactly what he needed.

@callofdutygaming7279 3 жыл бұрын

I remember one time we just got to the park and we were walking by the salloon and the train was doing the maintenance run and I waved at Rick I still remember it vividly.

@kathygoodman6159 3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like Rick put his two cents into the video. I'm so very sorry for your loss. I loved all of the stories, he sounds like a fantastic guy!

@rosslynch1985 3 жыл бұрын

What a coincidence that a train happened to going through and you can hear it in the video. A sign maybe?? Sorry for you loss

@adamnewcom2999 3 жыл бұрын

I always remember him! He was the train! Always a good day when he was their!

@strongsadventures 3 жыл бұрын

So sorry for your loss George. Rick was the conductor the first year that we took our kids to SDC. Our daughter had had a nose bleed and spent a good amount of time in the first aid station. Rhonda was going to take her back to the trailer but she insisted that she wasn't going to ruin anyone's fun. Rhonda took the boy Kid and went to ride some of the coasters and me and the Girl kid went to ride some of the more tame rides. We rode the train and sat in the back. Rick asked how she was liking her visit and she said well I just spent 2 hours in the first aid station. He left for a few min. and came back with a coke and a popcorn for her. I asked how much I owed him and he said it was on him but what ever she did if her nose started to bleed again on the train ride to PLEASE not to pull the cord above her head LOL He said he had some napkins just for her. She pretty much decide that we were riding the train for the rest of the day. We have a picture of her and him together and I will send it to you if I can find it. He sure made a 10 year old little girls day that day.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

That sounds just like Rick. Loved kids and would bend over backwards for them. I'd love the photo if you can find it, and would happily pass it on to his family

@CarrieA1997 3 жыл бұрын

Rest In Peace Rick he was funny at Silver Dollar City.

@talonsaurn5764 3 жыл бұрын

When you spread joy like that, its a life well lived, Its very sad to lose such a person, His stories live on through you. Very sorry for your loss

@suemoo22 3 жыл бұрын

He sounds like an amazing man, I’m sorry for your loss. Everyone loves a good storyteller! What a nice tribute to him.

@walteryoung2025 3 жыл бұрын

I was a kid when I first went to silver Dollar City. While I was there I got to see the "my mom's on the train" routine that you're discussing. I've always wondered why I never saw it twice.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

Most of the time the reason you don't see them looking for their ma is because they are running on a shorter schedule. See my videos about things you didn't know about the train. :-)

@Sethab97 3 жыл бұрын

I was lucky enough to conduct with Rick a handful of times and that was always enjoyable. I only got to rob with him once. But I learned so much about how to be a good robber and be funny and I really enjoyed it. He even told me that he was impressed when I did a few jokes and bits that hadn’t been done in years. Thats one of my most proud moments of being a robber.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

you have me curious now about which bits, and if they were ones we did or that predated my time there

@Sethab97 3 жыл бұрын

@@SirWillow One of them was the lines “it’s apparent” when talking about Ma being on the train. Another was the holding up the train bit. And I think a couple others I can’t remember off the top of my head.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

Holding up the train was one of my favorite little bits. Get the right train and it was hilarious. I never quite got the deliver of the apparent line right. There were guys that could get a laugh out of it, but after a few tries I pretty much stopped using it since i couldn't do it well. great to hear that some of those bits continued on after we were gone

@Sethab97 3 жыл бұрын

@@SirWillow Another one I tried once is the bit where Alfie pulls Ralphie aside to have him tell the conductor about Ma being on the train.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

@@Sethab97 heh, that's the one I mention in this video. :-)

@FantasyApprentice 3 жыл бұрын

sending you and your SDC firends warm thoughts and condolences

@sarahweers8035 3 жыл бұрын

I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers for his family and friends for strength during this very difficult time. ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏

@erikanelsen8578 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for your loss, George. Sending you my condolences. 💐

@debbrown995 3 жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.

@Bubbuabubo Жыл бұрын

Rick passed away when I was littler now I am 13 and I got to talk to him a few times along with Cathy and Steve he was an awesome man and he used to tell jokes that would absolutely have me going and he would always joke abt having to go make gas money when he was robbing even tho it was sometime ago when he passed I do miss him deeply!

@chandrawalker9220 3 жыл бұрын

This was great! Thanks for sharing 👍😊

@sptraxide 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome story George! Thanks!

@angiegoggin9680 3 жыл бұрын

An amazing tribute to an amazing man!

@TheThomson8 3 жыл бұрын

Sorry for your loss.

@DubayBay 3 жыл бұрын

Rest easy and fly high Rick. Sending love and prayers for you and the rest of his family and friends.

@chrishankins905 Жыл бұрын

Kevin Huffman was my music teacher in high school. Super good guy

@mikkeljeppesen7696 3 жыл бұрын

rest in pease Rick, may he keep robbing trains in heaven

@audrag.4756 3 жыл бұрын

I wish I'd been able to see Rick in action. I am so sorry your heart is hurting, George! Rick's family, and yourself, are in my prayers. Rick doesn't need them. He's riding that steam train in Heaven.

@coryodenbaugh6145 Ай бұрын

Cathy and jr sapp are my favorite. But I wish I could have met rick, sounds like a great guy

@amyrombach531 2 жыл бұрын

Rick I had him three different times he was one of the reasons why I love the train so much it’s because of him he made it funny and also she was a big goofball but yet a flirt too

@richardmeredith6534 3 жыл бұрын

Nice to see your fondness for this man really show. Sounds like he was a great guy to know.

@thejourney1369 3 жыл бұрын

So sorry for your loss. Rick sounds like an amazing man and a great mentor in robbing trains.

@jamesdurkin1857 3 жыл бұрын

It is always rough when we lose someone we love. Rick sounds like a true friend and inspiration. May God be with his family and provide comfort and strength. And you as well, George. God bless you and yours.

@carlfritzler6152 3 жыл бұрын

I meet Rick in September 2011 while rick was a conductor at Silver Dollar City, I remember him being so nice he even let us take a picture with him I will miss him

@antig-rock9778 3 жыл бұрын

thank you so much for sharing this with all of us... He was a one of a kind!!! Heaven has gained a new conductor!!!!!

@therealchristinedaee 3 жыл бұрын

I am so sorry Sir Willow. I am so sorry for your loss. It pains me to see you so sad and emotional. Sending you love and prayers. Also, happy Mother’s Day to your wife!

@flyacow 3 жыл бұрын

It sounds like he influenced a lot of people in a good way. It's never easy to lose an old friend.

@brucesumter4327 3 жыл бұрын

i am so sorry to hear this rest in peace's about rick he was a year older then me i was born in jan 18 1956

@TweetsieRailroader 3 жыл бұрын

I saw your post on Twitter. It really, REALLY hurts to lose someone that's so close to you, especially a man as great as Rick. At the very least, he's up there robbing trains in heaven with our Lord and Savior. I never got to go to Silver Dollar City, but I really wish I could've seen Rick at work. He seemed like a wonderful guy to be around. May he rest in peace.

@johngambon9488 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting this. I did not know him, but I'm proud to be carrying on a wonderful job! I left a donation on the page. Thanks bud!

@ashleysimmons3210 3 жыл бұрын

Aww I’m sorry for your loss George, I know it can be tough to loose somone. I never been to silver dollar city but just by your story about him I could tell that he lit up the room♥️ Praying for you and his family during this time

@TheRealMr.Higgbottom 3 жыл бұрын

He may seem like a stubborn grandpa but a guy who worked as an outlaw for a long time it sounds fun being an outlaw sorry for the loss

@JohanMsWorld 3 жыл бұрын

Its always tough when people (and pets for that matter) dies and you always think you should had spend more times with them or do more things before they pass away. Regarding keeping it fresh its a interview with a Cats actress from New York when a TV channel aired a outdoor performance and the actress of either Bombalurina or Demeter whom has been on the show for its entire run says something that Ive been keeping in my heart ever since I first saw it: "It HAS to be fresh since we have a new audience every show. Its maybe old to US but its new to THEM." Its really says everything about what acting is all about. You might have done a show or routine thousends of times but since there is people in the audience who have never seen it before it has to be as new or fresh as youre first show cause its new to them. And its when actors lost that mojo or energy you can tell it from the seats and you can see how its affect everyone from the fellow actors to the audience. Its actually when them actors dont have that mojo going on I experienced some of my less liked theathres experiences. So bless him. Johan.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

That sounds very similar to what Rick would have said about keeping it fresh.

@k001daddy 3 жыл бұрын

My condolences. Sounds like an awesome guy. Very nice memorial.

@YcatsVlogs 3 жыл бұрын

sorry for your loss

@eddiedority1816 10 ай бұрын

Yes I remember Rick Cord.

@eddiedority1816 Жыл бұрын

I Don't know about any funny moments of Rick but I do remember him a lot My Dad and Mom and us have been going to Sliver Dollar City for a lot of years and that's almost give or take fifty years.

@thunderfoot223 3 жыл бұрын

A big coincidence goes out to you sir we have all lost close ones in our lives

@rossshimer3426 3 жыл бұрын

When I rode the train rick and you sir willow would notice me and look at me funny I miss you a lot sir willow

@rossshimer3426 3 жыл бұрын

Rick was the man this man got me love those engines rick always sit with me and talk for while that's why today I still love the steam engines over there I been blessed to you and him as well as some of the engineers Noah s Bentley Richard Finn

@eddiedority1816 Жыл бұрын

I Would love to Work for Sliver Dollar City.

@Mysticblue1212 3 жыл бұрын

I am really sorry you found out that someone so important to you and such a big part of your life has passed. That is never easy. Are you going to his funeral? I hope you can so people can hear these stories.

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

Yes its coming up in a week and a half.

@craigkollai2806 3 жыл бұрын

Wait; 4:57 does not seem to fit with *Sir* Willow. Sorry for your and everyone else's loss. As for him liking Lady Willow and the Prince and Princess more than you, it sounds like he was a smart guy other than the pizza thing. Did you ever sing near him? That could be part of it...

@sgtmyers88 3 жыл бұрын

Very sad indeed. While not necessarily saying you could fill his shoes, would you ever consider returning to the park in that role? Maybe as a way to honor his memory?

@SirWillow 3 жыл бұрын

I might as a one day thing, but simply can't as a regular job. I loved it while I was able to do it, but sadly it's not something I could go back to on a regular basis.

@sgtmyers88 3 жыл бұрын

@@SirWillow understandable

@tomrice4099 3 жыл бұрын

Search on "Go Fund Me Rick Hord" and it pops right up. They are only asking for a modest $3000, which they almost have, so let's be sure this community can make this amount. Most people should be able to put in $5/10/20 to push this over the top. Sorry for the loss. Sir W maybe you'd like to take a (motorcycle) ride and go to pizza as a personal tribute. I did a similar thing a couple years ago, but off topic here. Almost 66; too young. Obviously a tight knit group if he quit a few years ago and as seasonal workers you still stayed in touch. I doubt I met him. I've only been to SDC in July 2010, wanted to get back sooner, but life happened, and didn't make it until May 2018, then again in July 2019.