Last Runs

Brother Anderson offers advice after retirement

On January 4, 2002, Brother Vernon D. Anderson of BLE Division 348 (Elkhart, Ind.) made his last run from Elkhart to Chicago for Norfolk Southern.

Brother Anderson went firing for Penn Central on January 28, 1969. He joined BLE Division 300 on June 1, 1971, after his promotion to locomotive engineer by the Penn Central on January 28, 1971.

Brother Anderson and his wife, Sandy Sue, have two sons, Chris and Rodney. The couple also has three grandchildren.

While he's not sailing, Brother Anderson plans to spend time with his family during retirement. He says that he plans to do "all the things I didn't have time to do when I was working."

Brother Anderson also has a few words of advice for all those still working in the railroad industry.

"Be nice to co-workers and things will go smoothly," said Anderson. "And keep alert."

Brother Anderson and his family live at: 1822 Niles-Buchanan Rd., Niles, Mich. 49120.

Photo caption: Anderson waves farewell from cab.

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Cole retires from KCS after 30 years

Brother James L. Cole of BLE Division 573 (Greenville, Tex.) made his last run for Kansas City Southern on June 26, 2001.

Brother Cole began his railroad career on August 8, 1971 as a fireman in Greenville. He was promoted to locomotive engineer in December 1972 and joined BLE Division 573 that same month.

Cole and his wife, Ginny, have four children and four grandchildren. They have lived in Texas and Louisiana during his career. They have many friends in both states whom they hope to visit in his retirement.

In addition to travelling during his retirement, Brother Cole plans to spend more time with family and friends. He also plans to get caught up on his yard work and other chores that his wife has planned for him.

Brother Cole works with stained glass in his free time and will make gifts for his family and friends.

To contact the Cole family, write to: 1733 Dupree Rd., Shreveport, La. 71107-5604.

Photo caption: Brother Cole (right) and KCS General Chairman Sam W. Parker.

Legislative Chairman McCarthy served Wyoming for 20 years

Brother Kevin J. McCarthy of BLE Division 103 (Cheyenne, Wyo.) made his last run on October 30, 2001 from Green River to Cheyenne, Wyo.

McCarthy began his railroad career as a switchman on the Rock Island Railroad in November 1961. He went firing in January 1976 and was promoted to locomotive engineer on May 18, 1976 by the Union Pacific Railroad. Brother McCarthy joined BLE Division 103 on June 1, 1976.

Brother McCarthy served the members of BLE Division 103 for over 20 years. He was the division's legislative representative from 1979-2000 and its president for one term. From 1981 to 2001, he served as the Wyoming State Legislative Board Chairman.

Upon his retirement, he received recognition from the BLE's National Association of State Legislative Board Chairmen for his service to rail workers in Wyoming. He also received a plaque from the members of Division 103 for his years of dedicated service to that division.

"As Wyoming State Legislative Board Chairman for 20 years, I got an education that I could not have gotten in college," McCarthy said. "It was a great ride. I have life-long friends through the BLE."

McCarthy and his wife of 42 years, Anna, have a daughter, Kelly, and one grandchild. During his retirement, he plans to travel, golf and get more involved in politics. McCarthy has restored a 1956 Chevy two door Belaire hard top.

The McCarthys live at: 5164 McCue, Cheyenne, Wyo. 82009.

Photo caption: Brother McCarthy, center, with his wife Anna and Willis G. Croonquist, an investigation supervisor for designated legal counsel, during the BLE's Seventh Quinquennial International Convention in Miami.

Novacek to work on remodeling projects during retirement

Novacek of BLE Division 621 (Wymore, Neb.) made his last run working for the Burlington Northern-Santa Fe Railway on the 0700 Switcher at Havelock, Neb., on October 31, 2001.

Brother Novacek is a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a graduate of the University of Nebraska with a degree in business and economics.

He began working for the CB&Q on August 10, 1960 and was promoted to engineer in 1966. He joined BLE Division 98 in 1964 and transferred to Division 621 in 1998.

Brother Novacek and his wife Margaret were married in 1963. The couple has three daughters and five grandchildren. In addition to spending time with his family, Novacek plans to expand gardening projects and perform a host of home remodeling jobs during his retirement.

The Novacek live at: 2710 South 66th Place, Lincoln, Neb. 68506.

Back to Spring 2002 Journal

© 2002 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers