Vince Lombardi on the Delta Queen last year.

Vince Lombardi on the Delta Queen last year.

Last week, former Delta Queen crew members lost a cherished member of our crew family. Vince Lombardi served as a housekeeper onboard and was one of those really vibrant, funny, charming people who always brightened your day. Vince passed away last week and left a huge hole in the lives of many.

Laura and I were lucky enough to work closely with Vince last season, and even in the most stressful moments, Vince always could keep us laughing. He was a joy to be around.
We all send his family our heartfelt condolences on this terrible loss. You will be in our hearts and prayers. And Vince will often be fondly held in our memories.
Our private memorial for Vince, held in the Delta Queen's pilot house.

Our private memorial for Vince, held in the Delta Queen's pilot house.

Former passengers Jo Ann Schoen and Phillip Johnson were here on the Delta Queen this weekend and we all felt it would be appropriate to have a brief memorial in Vince’s honor. We met in the Pilot House to grieve and share memories of Vince. At 3pm EST on Sunday, we rang the big bell and blew a special steam whistle salute in his honor. We wanted to share it all with you, so we recorded the ceremony and Phillip kindly edited it into the following lovely tribute:

Vince was much loved by the passengers and the crew. He will be greatly missed.