NICHOLASVILLE, KY – The R. J. Corman Railroad Group has announced with deep sadness that Rick Corman, its founder and owner, has died at age 58 from his 12-year battle with multiple myeloma. Mr. Corman died Friday morning at his Nicholasville, KY home surrounded by family.
“Mr. Corman will be remembered for his character, energy, determination, generosity and vision,” said Craig King, R. J. Corman Railroad Group president.
The railroad entrepreneur was known for his colorful personality with a deep and quick laugh. He was also a demanding boss who was especially insightful and strategic in growing his business.
He founded a railroad construction company in 1973, the same year he graduated from high school. Through his hands-on approach and exemplary customer service, he built his business into the R. J. Corman Railroad Group, a diversified railroad service provider that has more than 1,150 employees and operates in more than 21 states.
The short line company, R. J. Corman Railroad Company was awarded the Railway Age Magazine 2007 Short Line of the Year.
King noted that the final line of the Fortune Magazine article of May 2011, “The ballad of Richard Jay Corman,” by Carol Loomis, captures what those who knew Rick Corman are feeling today.
Loomis wrote, “And, when his luck runs out, the word will go up on the company Web site, and the world will have lost some of its style.”
Mr. Corman’s visitation will be from 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. Sunday. His funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Monday, and the front gate will be open at 2:30 p.m.
Visitation and services will be located in Hangar 1 on the property of R. J. Corman Railroad Group, 101 R.J. Corman Dr., Nicholasville, KY.
In lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to: The Richard Corman Research Fund in Multiple Myeloma Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168.
