IN MEMORIAM – MARINA LINKE

Dear Tim, I have only just learnt of Marina’s untimely passing from this planet. My heart goes out to you, it must have been devastating, and no doubt still very painful. I only met her on your journey through India 2019, but she made a big impact on me. She was so vibrant and present, creating a feeling that she could solve any problem that arose with grace and strength. She also seemed tireless. I feel fortunate to have known such a special woman even for a short, brief moment. Our condolences to you and her family. Rose Marie and John

Rose Marie Finbow

Special people stand out for the qualities they have and Marina was a special person who stood out. I am thankful for the things that Marina facilitated on trips that wouldn’t have otherwise happened and her unique brand of humour that amused me no end. She will be sadly missed.

Vaughan Machin

Dear Tim, It is difficult to find the words to express my deep sorrow. She was a great visionary lady with full of energy, hard working not only to create ideas but also to apply them in the field. It is a great loss certainly for you but also to train tourism industry as she was the main pillar. Once again please accept my condolences. I have donated to Turkish environmental foundation to plant pine trees in her name. God help you and give you strength to overcome during this tough times. God never gives you something that you can not carry patience and love and do whatever she wanted you to do. My sincere and all the best wishes,

Erkunt Oner

I only had the pleasure of knowing and working with Marina for a relatively small amount of time. A measurement of time is straight forward to quantify though compared to the significant impression she left on me and continues to do so. Words like tenacious and determined are easy to liken to Marina’s character but it was her kindness, charm and smile which I will remember the most. I will never forget her and the experiences I shared alongside her in some of the most incredible places on Earth and I will always be grateful to her for making them what they were. A personality and traveller like no other, losing Marina so suddenly is a tragedy. I offer my sincere condolences to her family and family of colleagues at Golden Eagle in Altrincham, Russia and beyond.

Matt Bowling

It is with great sadness I read. the death of Marina. She was a delightful person, wonderful knowledge off our journeys. Marina will be missed by those who travelled with her. Her care, consideration and her ability to solve all queries and problems with grace and “not a problem”. Thank you Marina. To Phillip, the photographer on the Northern Lights 2019-2020, and to Tim, your stalwart and companion may you remember the wonderful times with much laughter and the tears that follow will help ease the pain.

Sally & Bruce Neumann

I know Marina since I am 12 years old, our families were close friends, and managed to hold this friendship through years, and different countries. We didn’t have a lot of contact through the past few years, but each time we met, it was hearty and warm, with a lot of conversations and laughter. She was talking a lot about fantastic train journeys she made, and we were each time joking, we will do some together one day. It is inconceivable and very sad, that Marina should leave us so early. RIP, Marina.

Inna Kobrisova

I am so deeply saddened to hear of Marina’s untimely and unexpected death. We have worked together on countless tours in absolutely amazing locations as well as at head office, and I will forever remember her glorious smile, infectious laugh and unflappable nature. I’ve marvelled when seeing her in action in Russia and the Stans dealing with difficult officials, and absolutely flooring them with a torrent of high velocity Russian, followed either by that smile or a steely glare and always managing to smooth out the seemingly insurmountable problems. Marina also had the most wonderful selection of tales of narrow escapes and hair-raising moments that would make the most wonderful late night conversation on tour. She was so vibrant and irrepressibly full of life it is hard to believe that she is gone. You will be so greatly missed.

Annette Steele

Yes I remember Marina well and I am very sad that she will no longer be among the travelers. My first trip was the Silk Road in 2004 train then not as modern but still fun and Marina was there. She was also on my Trans Sib in 2018 and on the DArjeeling trip the one with the hailstorm and that was also my birthday (but did not wanted it to be known) so I have a birthday card signed by Marina. Dear memories now. My sincere condolences to all I am sure she will be missed by so many.

Helen Bernard

I first met Marina in 1993 on the Caucasian 2 tour, which Steve le Cheminant and Phil Metcalfe of Telerail also joined, for us to shoot a video programme as we travelled. It was massively enjoyable but far from easy. Travel in the region was relatively new and railway managers, police and soldiers found it hard to comprehend what we were doing. Sometimes the big video camera helped and secured assistance – sometimes it hindered and prompted a hostile reaction. There were issues by the hour to resolve and I have many fond memories of Steve, Phil and I standing patiently to one side and watching in awe as majestic Marina sallied forth, either wreathed in smiles or with eyes ablaze, as she set about ironing out whatever ‘bump in the road’ was in the tour’s path. From armed soldiers to bad tempered policemen and jobsworth railway officials, she left them all in her wake, either as a result of charm or thunderbolts! She truly was a force of nature. I couldn’t believe it when I heard she’d left us. Taken too young and with so much more yet to give, enjoy and participate in. Tim and Golden Eagle will miss her very much. Even those of us who write millions of words for a living can’t find the right ones at times like this…but I hope my sincere condolences carry the weight of sincerity that lies behind them. She lived life as it should be lived. I am very sorry I shall not spend time in her company again. RIP.

Nigel Harris

Our condolences to the Golden Eagle team, family and friends on the passing of Marina. We are deeply saddened by the news and our thoughts are especially with Tim. In remembrance of a very special person and friend. Willem, on behalf of the Cruising on Rail team.

Willem Mouissie

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Marina. She ‘made’ our many trips on GE and her contribution to the company’s development was immense. But more importantly she was simply a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by Tim and all the GE team as well as the multitude of travellers on GE trains. Our thoughts are with all at GE at this very, very sad time.

Rick & Sue Coles

This is very Sad and Sudden. Marina’s dynamism will be missed by Golden Eagle Luxury Trains as well as all those who have seen her deliver exacting standards in top-end Rail Travel and Tourism. RIP.

Rajesh Agrawal

Hello Mr Tim, we sincerely condole on your loss. We had the opportunity to communicate with such a wonderful person as Marina Linke and are grateful to destiny that has given us a chance to meet such a wonderful person. She was always ready to respond to an invitation or a request for help. I, my wife Natalia, Fedor and Vlad convey our words of condolences to you and Phil and to everyone we know in England. You can always turn to us for help and support in these difficult times.

Aleksandr Leonov

We met Marina at the very beginning as the Soviet Union was changing into the Russian Railways we know today, and we thought it was complicated then, however we would like to place on record that we had so much help and support from the Russian Railway staff and Marina’a arrival we know helped make Tim’s undertakings and plans all over the world into the great company we know today. Our trains to St. Petersburg and Moscow must have been simple in comparison. It was always a pleasure to see her on the trains and she was more, much more than a reassuring presence as we all know that if it can go wrong, it will go wrong, and at the wrong time. However she could always be relied on to find a solution, sometimes the passengers knew about, often they didn’t and very few really understood just how much work took place in the months and sometimes years before the departure dates. Thank so very much to Marina, for being you; she was a lovely person and will be a great loss to Tim and his team. From everyone at Steam Traction in England and our whole team based in Finland.

Nigel Sill, Steam Traction Ltd

I can’t believe that Marina is no longer. My sincere condolences to her family and the entire Golden Eagle team. May she rest in peace!

Andrey Arshinov

Oh Marina – We always hoped we would board another train in your company. The possibility that time was running out was on our side, not yours, or so we thought. Your enthusiasm for adventure was infectious. Your determination that things be done right was impressive. If only we understood Russian we would have known just what you said to the soldiers who tried to stop the steam train at a bridge crossing in Eastern Siberia. You did not hesitate to speak up – we think you told the soldiers that the train was filled with foreigners who were so interested in steam trains and Siberia that they spend money to get there… The soldiers looked almost ashamed. The train resumed travel. As we went westward we ran into some very hot Siberian weather – over a 100 F. Then the train was side tracked to accommodate higher priority traffic. The AC compressors on our cars were powered from the undercarriage only while rolling. When it became clear we would be waiting for awhile, you suggested scrambling down the bank to a stream below. We will always remember drifting down a cold stream in Siberia on a startlingly blue-skied day. We have no doubt GE trains will continue to do you proud. Martha and Jeff.

Martha Eakin Buster

Dear Tim,

We have no words to express our deep sorrow for the sad loss of Marina and of her wonderful smile and inexhaustible pleasantness. How difficult it is to accept her so unexpected absence.

With grief,

Elza & Roberto Burgdorf

What devastating news ! I am deeply saddened by the untimely and unexpected passing of Marina and I can only imagine the pain Tim must feel about this terrible loss. My most heartfelt condolences reach out to Tim, Marina’s son and team of Golden Eagle. I met Marina in Burma as a potential business partner and was deeply impressed with her energy, her devotion, her creativity and also the most remarkable story of her own life and her family history which she happily was willing to share. We had many fruitful meetings in Burma, in England, Germany and Russia and I was most impressed seeing her in full action on a tour we did together for a few days on the Golden Eagle express. We had great fun despite the seriousness of our talks and she impressed me also very much with her devotion to Tim and her strong desire to protect Tim and make him happy. I am speechless about these devastating news and would wish to be able to something to comfort all who are saddened by her passing but I know I can’t! She leaves a big gap in our hearts and our lives and the only notion in this situation of serious pain and sorrow which appears a bit comforting is that a person who passed away is with us and alive as long as people remember this person. So I have a feeling that Marina will continue to live in the hearts and memories of so many whom she brought inspiration love and joy and friendship.

Andreas Mach

So much zest for life. So much love, generosity and enthusiasm. So much energy. So many plans. So very, very young to die. Thank you Marina for everything.

Edit Baran

My first meeting with Marina was on Golden Eagle’s maiden Darjeeling Mail tour as a guide and tour manager. I found her to be a knowledgeable tour operator with a pleasing personality. Her ability to foresee situations and deal with them effectively was amazing. Marina was an able leader, a compassionate human being and an ever helping friend. We at Golden Eagle are going to miss her. Marina will be alive in our memory and will never be forgotten.

Mahesh Ramnani

I’m really astonished and sad about the unexpected news…

Since we had the opportunity to work with Marina in early 2015, she immediately passed on your company’s commitment and philosophy to us, which is much uncommon.

Marina has always been a very professional and friendly person; this has always made it a pleasure to collaborate with her and with you all.

Please pass my sincere condolence to Tim and all your colleagues.

Warmest regards,

Davide Musitelli

I’m so very sorry, and quite shocked, to learn of Marina’s passing. Many great memories of trips going back to 2000, and I appreciated learning about the country and culture of Russia from someone who grew up there. Marina brought the history of Russia, not always pleasant, alive, and was happy to share some of the black humour of those who endured life there. She contributed so much to our enjoyment of the whole trips, not just the railways. We will miss her greatly.

David Wood

Stunned in disbelief. It wasn’t supposed to end here, or now. After a terrible year thought it couldn’t get much worse. It just did, dramatically worse. So much more to see, say, do and share. Wishing strength and courage to Philip, Tim and all at GE in the times ahead.

A breath of our inspiration
Is the life of each generation;
A wondrous thing of our dreaming
Unearthly, impossible seeming
The soldier, the king, and the peasant
Are working together in one,
Till our dream shall become their present,
And their work in the world be done.

RIP Marina, Bye x

Peter Hedderly

I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to you and share the deep grief and sorrow of the family in this difficult time. God bless her soul and may she rest in peace!

Akin Arikan

I have had the pleasure of both working with Marina to develop new offerings for Golden Eagle and also had the benefit of her as a tour leader in the coldest of Northern Manchuria. Marina was a delight to know, ensured service delivery where nothing was forgotten or too much trouble. She had an infectious sense of humour, even in difficult circumstances. Marina was persistent in her devotion to service, developing Golden Eagle and life. She will be deeply missed.

Michael Whitehouse

So very shocked and saddened for the loss of a lovely lady and neighbour, Marina will be very sadly missed by us all. Rest in peace.

Diane Kelly

Thinking of Marina conjures up memories of arriving in far-flung destinations, the joy of meeting up with old friends, as we became, and the excitement of starting another adventure. Marina was pivotal in planning and executing our amazing travels on wheels. When things beyond her control went awry such as a collapsed bridge at the star of the Mongolia to Moscow trip, which initially prevented our group of excited train enthusiasts from boarding the longed-for Golden Eagle, she magicked up solutions, calmed and cajoled us till everything was put right and we could board. I remember at the end of an arduous 21day Silk Route journey a group of rather tired and very quiet travellers sitting around a Chinese-style banquet and witnessing Marina enlivening and enthralling everyone with tales of her early life in Russia and relocation to England. She was mesmerising.. At other times she would make us laugh with her dry, carefully-worded, comments about some of the customs and regimes that we travelled through. Another memory is of sharing a gondola with her in one voyage starting in Venice. She was serene and loving her surroundings- huge smiles and completely in the moment. Her love of life and travel was palpable. The last time I saw Marina was exactly a year ago in the Four Seasons Hotel. It was late at night and even at the end of our Arctic adventure she looked beautifully radiant and engaged in animated discussion. She inspired and energised all those she met. Impossible not to shed tears at her loss, impossible not to smile at her memory.

With Love to her son, Philip, to Tim and to all at Golden Eagle,

Hilary Napier

Marina, my dear friend, I shall miss you very much. You have always been kind, loyal, fun and adventurous. You always put others before yourself. Your smile and laugh were infectious. I know that there is now a huge void in my life but I am sure that part of you lives in all who had the pleasure of your acquaintance. Dear friends like you are rare and precious and one day we will be practising our yoga together again on rainbows in clear blue skies. Until then, you will always be in my heart. My love and deepest heart felt condolences reach out to Tim and Philip, her close friends of which there are many and to all who feel the loss of our dear beautiful Marina.

Kate Kearns

So sorry to hear that, she was an incredible person! On behalf of the entire AL Travel team our condolences to Marina’s family and the GE team. Rest in Peace Marina…

Aydin Baghirli

Dear Tim,

As you know, out of all of our Golden Eagle trips we travelled with Marina on three occasions. I can’t express enough how sorry we are to hear of her passing, we hold fantastic memories of her that we will never forget. Our deepest sympathies for this irreplaceable loss. We hope to see you again soon.

With all our love,

Antonio Pamies Pla y Dolores Nadal Aymerich

Heartfelt condolences to the family. Marina’s contribution to one of the finest patterns of a journey, by means of the train in all its glory, cannot be forgotten. May she rest in peace.

Joe Eshwar

We both were shocked and terribly saddened to read of Marina’s passing. We traveled with Marina on several Golden Eagle trips and quickly realised her immense value to the enterprise — not only her great talent for smoothing out “bumps” when unplanned circumstances arose, but the interest and joy she brought to our experiences each day of the journeys. We hope her next journey will be as uncomplicated and pleasurable as she made our own, earthly, experiences. Our thoughts and prayers are with her, with the entire Golden Eagle team (so many of whom we consider friends) and especially with Tim and her family.

Alesia Ranney-Marinelli & Frank Marinelli

I’m so sorry to hear of Marina’s sudden passing. We’ve lost a very special fellow traveler with a beautiful soul. My last journey with Marina was the 2019 30th Anniversary trip aboard ‘The Madras Mail’. She planned our final dinner at the Taj Falaknuma Palace. True to form, what a gorgeous celebration it was…with oh so many fabulous flowers, candles, courses, and costumes. Everything glowed, and we were all magically transported to a different era. Thank you, Marina, for so many lovely experiences and memories. My deepest sympathies to Tim and Marina’s family, and to the extended Golden Eagle Family.

Donna Beck

Dearest colleagues at Golden Eagle Luxury Trains,

I was sad to hear about your tragic loss. Please accept the deepest condolences from us.

When thinking of her, I remember that we met at WTM in London a decade ago for the first time. She was so direct and confident in business talk. She was the strongest and greatest leader that we ever knew.

Keeping her in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope that you all have good memories to comfort you.

Mrs. Elisa

I am deeply saddened to hear about the sudden demise of dear Marina. I had the honor to know her and had the greatest respect for her. I know it is a great loss for Golden Eagle Luxury Trains in particular. I had spent some memorable time working with her in Iran’s section of the trains round trips and will truly miss her. She was intelligent, frank, sincere, kind, professional, well-seasoned, and sympathetic. Please accept my condolences to her and the Golden Eagle Luxury Train family for your loss!

Karan Jami

Although I was by no means a regular, I was always impressed with Marina’s enthusiasm and ability to “get things done” – she will be sorely missed. RIP

Nigel Mundy

Russia, the Stans, Mongolia. Wonderful trips with Marina. We wish we knew words that would make sense of Marina’s death. We wish we knew words that would undo what has happened or at least bring comfort and healing to those who love and cared for her. Marina was a gem. We loved her dry, offbeat sense of humor. We appreciated her dedication and competence and her patience and unceasing efforts to make sure we didn’t do something really stupid, like fail to get back on the train. (She tells a wickedly funny story of a passenger who ended up in a Russian train station in his jogging clothes with no passport, no money, no tickets or identification, and absolutely no ability to speak or understand Russian! Marina’s deadpan delivery was at least as funny as the story itself.) A year. Ten years. Fifty years. A hundred years. There is never enough time to be with those we love and care about. And there is never enough time to prepare the heart to say goodbye. What Marina worked so hard and so successfully to build remains. We know we shall see our friends at Golden Eagle again, on another adventure. We wish Tim and Marina’s family, friends and colleagues peace, strength, and healing. And we wish Marina bon voyage.

Alesia & Frank Marinelli

Dear Tim, Like I’m sure many others, Eleanor and I were shocked and saddened by the news of Marina’s death. What a tragedy to befall someone so young, vital, talented and beloved. I extend my most heartfelt condolences to you and the entire GE family. I have many memories of Marina from over the years, as the growth of our company in many ways mirrored yours. And, especially in the earlier days, I was frequently on trips with Marina across Siberia and elsewhere. What stands out to me about Marina is a combination of toughness and brilliance, but also good humour and a genuine appreciation of her friends, customers and humanity in general. I remember one time in particular, on an eastbound Trans-Siberian trip I made with an IRT group. We were somewhere. maybe it was Irkutsk or Novosibirsk, and the tour bus pulled up to a beautiful Russian Orthodox cathedral. “Oh God!” an Australian (and, I regret to say, one of our passengers) called out. “Not another bloody church!” Everyone froze, not knowing where this was leading. The guy had been whining and complaining ever since we’d left Vladivostok. “Yes, George,” Marina called out. “Another bloody church.” The bus broke out in laughter, applause…and relief. That was Marina. Tough as nails. But caring, compassionate and loads of fun as well. We’ll miss her. Yours, Owen

Owen C. Hardy, Founder & CEO The Society of International Railway Travelers®

I’m sure that Marina’s legacy will continue to nurture Golden Eagle endeavors even as our energies of sadness and appreciation of who she was and how she contributed to what Golden Eagle became will continue into the future. My deepest condolences to Tim!

Sandra Long

Although I saw Marina rarely, knowing she is no longer in this world takes away a little of the sparkle. A strong, confident and capable woman with a smile that lit the rooms and made the recipient feel so special. My love goes out to all those closest to her, Tim, her beloved boy Phillip and the girls she worked with. Those smiling eyes and her deep joyous laugh will stay in my memory of Marina may she rest in peace.

Suzanne Higman

I’m so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of Marina for you all. My deepest sympathies Tim, Ian and for all at Golden Eagle. Keep hold of all that you have managed to achieve together, making incredible memories for many. With all best wishes Liz and the team at Sundowners.

Liz Anderson

It is so hard to believe that Marina is gone way too soon. I will always remember her strength and perseverance, fun and love of life and travel and sharing that with all the Golden Eagle guests who had the luck to travel with her. So many great memories I have travelling with Marina including the inaugural journeys into Iran and then Italy/Sicily. She handled all challenges in her stride and was always a tower of calm strength and resolve, to ensure guests expectations were not just met but exceeded. My condolences to Tim, Phillip, Melanya, Tatiana, Beata and all at GELT.

Richard Moras

This is the saddest news. I was privileged to travel with Marina on several Golden Eagle trips and marvelled at her skills. Nothing was ever too much trouble and she handled difficult situations with her gorgeous smile. To Tim and the Golden Eagle family and to Marina’s family, please accept my deepest sympathy. Vale Marina. I will miss you, but will hold dear my beautiful memories of you.

Elizabeth Orchard

I am lost for words. She was a good partner and always problem solver. May you rest in peace…

Faruk Pekin (Fest, Turkey)

I am sad that such a wonderful woman had to leave those who loved her. I am certain that she left behind a legacy of love for people and the world.

Countess Ursula Widawska

So sorry to hear this news, our thoughts are with you at this time.

Mark Grenville

Surely we belong to God and Surely to Him we shall return . We are so shocked and numbed to hear this sad sad news, Radhica and I first met Marina on our flight to Moscow about four years ago , before travelling with her on the Trans Siberian journey. She was always friendly, and totally efficient and in control, always reliable to find a solution to any situation that could possibly arise, and on all our journeys with Golden Eagle we were lucky enough to have had her looking after us. The last trip was almost two years ago on the Darjeeling Express, and she was always on top of things, even in the most trying conditions. To Tim, and family, our deepest sympathies, no words can express our sadness. God bless you, rest in peace, Marina.

Dr Ashfaq Ali

So very sorry to read this sad news. I have many happy memories of trips with Marina. She was always smiling and so full of enthusiasm. Sincere condolences to Tim and all the Team. Things will never be quite the same again. Anne Haddon.

Anne Haddon

Marina’s genuine warmth and legendary skills in problem solving will forever be missed. A tour de force taken too soon. I will miss you.

Annette Mizon

We are devastated to hear of the loss of Marina. We had the privilege of working and travelling with her on several of the Golden Eagle journeys most recently on the South India Deccan Express. Her boundless enthusiasm and genuine warmth came across in all she did. She had that amazing attribute of being able to continue to smile when faced with daunting logistical challenges, always ensuring that the journeys schedule appeared effortless. An abiding memory is of her looking radiant in her sari for the farewell dinner in the magnificent surroundings of the Taj Falaknumar. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Philip, Tim and all the extended Golden Eagle family.

Vince Perkins & Dawn Philip

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Marina’s death. I have travelled as a lecturer with Golden Eagle four times and soon realised what a vital part of the organisation Marina represented. Her ability to organise and manage gave me a feeling of confidence and security that things would always work out perfectly. I remember on the train from Nikel to Murmansk, after we had failed to see the aurora, she organised buses from Murmansk at an hours notice as the skies cleared and we saw it. To all those who knew and loved her I offer my sincere condolences.

Robin Catchpole

Marina’s sudden death is so tragic and unexpected. To lose such a lively and valuable person so young is cruel. I have travelled on many GE trains and worked with Tim and Marina over fifteen years and they made the perfect team running a fantastic business. The loss of Marina will leave a huge void in the lives of both Tim and GE Trains. Marina’s achievements, her kindness, efficiency, humour and sense of fun will never be forgotten.

Ian Macbeth

I was greatly saddened to hear of the death of Marina. My travel companions (son Thomas, friends Sally and Ba) and I met Marina on several of the tours we took with Golden Eagle between 2005 and 2017 and always found her to be a reassuring presence. We collectively enjoyed her smiles and stories and I will never forget the time she offered to exchange rooms with me in Darjeeling when I reported a tarantula in the bathroom!! My thoughts and condolences to Tim, to her family and the Golden Eagle Team.

Kathrin Johnson

What a shock to read this this morning! So unexpected and unbelievable. Tim, you have our deepest sympathies, you were a magnificent team for so many years, we are ever aware that we were ‘in at the beginning’ as far as your ventures to Russia and involvement with Marina were concerned and feel a great personal attachment. As a couple we enjoyed many steam tours together with Marina in Russia and the former Soviet states and myself as an ardent ‘gricer’ singly in China, No matter what hour or the day or night, or time zone, Marina was always there and on top of whatever situation arose. An incredible lady. Together you built what must forever be one of, if not the most adventurous tour companies ever. With Great Sadness indeed. We are thinking of you both.

Colin & Liudmila Mitchell

We met Marina on our tour through Iran, the first backwards one. We enjoyed her company and we were impressed how well everything was organised. It was a special time for us and we will not forget Marina, since she was so very much instrumental in making the tour a very interesting one. May she rest in peace, My condolences for all who worked with her and to her family and friends.

Dieneke Korteland

We are totally shocked when we got the massage that Marina will do already do her last journey. Marina was too young to leave this world. Marina and Tim were friends with us together so long time. We were not only business-partners, which like to travel through the world by trains – no we where very big friends over 30 years. We together will see us not so much time per year, but every meeting was a good and happy time together. My wife Meilan was working together with Marina a long time on the China Orient Express and they arrange wonderful tours together through the homeland of my wife, China. We are stunned. This times are really very hard for everybody at the moment and how can I say now a good friend has left us in this hard times. Is it good for her? Is it more hard for us, why we not know what all will be happen in the future in this world? My dear Tim. Please stay strong. It is very hard to lose a very close human being and especially if it is somebody who is your love, your partner and your motivator to face all the problems in the world. We can feel, what you have lost. And to all members of the Golden Eagle Luxury Trains – keep Marina in your heart and take over the spirit of her working and her thinking, that the clients will always feel her positive spirit on the GE train-tours. We hope Marina will find a peaceful place in the heaven and will look at you and us all the time. And the memory to her will give us always a smile. We will stay with you Tim an all others in this hard times and in future we must try to see us as much as possible. The time is running too fast. With sincere sympathy and silent sadness Good bye Marina.

Armin & Meilan Goetz from IGE Germany

I am heartbroken. Marina was like a sister to me. We have lost the most decent, honest, kind, professional and smart person with huge heart. She helped everyone and was full of joy. It is too soon. My heart goes out to her family.

Veronica Botvinik

Dear Tim, what utterly devastating news. I hope she didn’t suffer. She was great on the Trans Sib trips my total sympathy is with you. This just made a bad year even worse I hope you get over this in time. All my best wishes.

Geoffrey Suich

Truly shocked and saddened by this terrible news Tim. A truly special lady who I will always remember fondly, an extremely sad loss.

Richard Jolliffe

So shocked and saddened to hear of Marina’s death. We first met her on Trans Siberian in 2015 and subsequently on Darjeeling Mail in India and Balkan Odyssey in 2017. We were struck by her knowledge and enthusiasm for railway travel and to learn of her fascinating family background. We admired her professional and friendly approach to ensure every guest had the best experience. She will be sadly missed. Our condolences to Tim and all at Golden Eagle.

David & Pam West

So many memories and all to treasure. We traveled together with Tim and Marina through China, Russia, Africa, India, Iran and the last foray being an unforgettable journey through Siberia. I will remember Marina for her warmth, her smile and her sheer professionalism which made each trip both so unique and so unforgettable. Gone too soon but forever etched in our memories.

Yolande & Richard Torin

Our hearts are broken. We all have lost a lovely, capable, committed, and concerned friend not only of Golden Eagle but of each and every one of us who had the pleasure and honour of meeting and knowing a little of Marina. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, all the staff at Golden Eagle, and especially to Tim. With profound sadness,

Keith & Alice Snyder

OH MY. My deepest sympathy to all at Golden Eagle. I spent several trips with her and enjoyed her. My thoughts and prayers go to Tim specifically. So sorry for your loss!!!!!

Beverly Novak

We read this message with deepest sadness. Marina had many years of life ahead of her and it’s a cruel trick that she is not to have those. We remember Marina as a very positive and happy person, who loved her job and travel and people and who always had a smile for everyone and a solution to offer for every problem. She was a professional to her core, as well as being a good mother, a good companion and a good friend. Our condolences to her family and also to the family at Golden Eagle.

Annette Campbell-White & Ruediger Naumann-Etienne

I cannot find any word to describe my feelings. Really sad and deeply wounded from my heart.

You know I have also worked with her very close, spending weeks with her on board. She was my boss as well. And together we have made possible all that kind of impossible things here in Turkey. There are lots of first-time stories for me that I have lived, experienced because of her. When I re-think all these memories now, what an important person for me not only for my professional career but also for my personal life.

And what kind of period we are in. Shame on this pandemic as nothing to do beside this e-mail for me. Cannot keep this long as my heart hurts. May perpetual light shine upon her.

Best Regards / Saygılarımızla

Ernur Ercan

We will always remember Marina and the big part she played helping us achieve our memories of a lifetime. Our thoughts are with Tim, her family and colleagues.

David & Sheila Downham

Marina, you will be sorely missed by so many people. Your passion for travel, for trains, was infectious, but what I will remember most is your smile and your sense of fun. I have such happy memories of the trips we had together, and will always remember how you enriched those experiences with your very presence. You have finished this earthly journey so tragically soon, but I hope that it is the start of another bigger, better adventure x

Sophie Ibbotson

Dear Tim and the staff. We are heartbroken by this sad news. During the Madras Mail, only 13 months ago and the two other trips to Tibet and Iran, she was a dedicated and fantastic tour leader. We are never going to forget Marina. Please accept our sincere condolences.

Ivo & Monique Van Vaerenbergh

We are shocked and so saddened to receive this news. Marina is, without a doubt, our most cherished memory from our trips with Golden Eagle. We first met Marina in Moscow, at the start of our Trans-Siberian adventure in 2017 (our 30th anniversary and GE’s Millionth Mile Celebration). We were so surprised and excited to see Marina’s friendly face greeting us in Urumqi for our China & Tibet trip in 2019. Our hearts ache for Marina’s family, including her Golden Eagle family. We think of Marina often. Her professionalism, combined with a sincere love of what she was doing, made each of our Golden Eagle trips incredibly special and memorable. To say that Marina will be missed is an inadequate expression of our feelings. We too have lost a member of our family. In our hearts, Marina will be with us, both at home and on future Golden Eagle adventures. To Marina’s family, please accept our sincere sympathy and prayers.

Mike Hoffman & Karen McKenzie

Wendy and I would to extend our heart felt condolences to Marina’s family, Tim and the whole of the Golden Eagle family on the sad passing of Marina. We will always remember her effervescent spirt and the subtle way she made our journeys so memorable – a true professional.

John & Wendy Scott

This is the saddest and most unexpected news to read today. Marina was such a lovely, helpful person with a wicked sense of humour and an absolute pleasure to travel with. Whether travelling with Marina on the Transiberian Express, the Silk Road, or a tour of Western China and Tibet, Marina’s ability to fix problems was sometimes a godsend. It’s so sad to lose her so young and a massive loss to the Golden Eagle family. Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.

Derek Stubbs & Leighton Walsh

Dear Tim,

Words cannot even express how sorry I am to hear the tragic and overwhelming news about Marina.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Philip and all of the Golden Eagle family. Thankfully we are a strong family and are here to support each other through this very difficult and devastating time.

Please do let me know if there is anything I can do, no matter how small.

My sincerest condolences.

Natasha Baker

Last time I saw you was at Kirkenes Snowhotel. Your train was parked in Nikel/Russia and you brought your clients to us in Norway. As always when we met your focus was your clients. This I understood the first minute when you and your clients came to Thon Hotel 2 hours late due to Russian custom clearance. When I made my presentation to you your face changed in one sec from a general in battle to a friend. I learned how you always took a fight if needed to give your clients the best possible experience. I will also remember when your smile turned into a laughter as if you where a jazz singer from downtown New Orleans. I will miss you and your Russian made woollen shoes. Our small argues if it was the bus driver, you or me who misunderstood how many minutes 9 Norwegian km takes in minus 20 Celsius! But relax Marina; I know Tim, Beata and the other in Golden Eagle Train will get the steam up again. But you made the eagle shine!

Kare Tannvik