Summer 2003
Volume 110 - No. 2
Summer 2003
Volume 110 - No. 2
Brotherhood Obituaries
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This information is based upon reports filed by the secretary-treasurers of the various BLE Divisions.
Former International President Bob Delaney, 1919-2003
Former BLE International President Robert E. Delaney died of congestive heart failure on August 20. He was 84 years old and had endured a long battle with Parkinson's disease.
Delaney was elected to the Brotherhood's highest office at the BLE's Fourth Quinquennial Convention in August of 1986. He retired in September of 1987, announcing that his goals had been accomplished and that the Brotherhood's course was steady.
Prior to that, he served four terms as an International Vice-President, representing the BLE before the National Railroad Adjustment Board, a grievance arbitration panel, in Chicago.
"Brother Delaney was truly a man of integrity and a man of honor," BLE International President Don Hahs said. "On behalf of the 59,000 men and women of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, I extend deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Bob Delaney."
Delaney began his rail career as a brakeman on the Chicago & North Western in 1940, earning promotion to locomotive engineer in 1945. A year later, he joined BLE Division 404 in Chicago.
After serving one term as a local chairman, Delaney was elected chairman of the BLE General Committee of Adjustment on the Chicago & North Western in 1959. He served in that position until he was elected vice-president at the 1966 international convention.
He was a member of the former Railway Labor Executive's Association (RLEA), which was comprised of officers of 18 rail unions. He served on the RLEA Executive Committee; Committee on Railroad Retirement; Committee on National Transportation Policy, Mergers, Consolidations and Passenger Service; and the Board of Directors of the Labor Cooperative Educational and Publishing Society.
He was born on February 17, 1919, in Janesville, Wisc., and is survived by a son, Robert Jr., and two daughters, Katherine and Ellen. His wife of 41 years, the former Virginia Doyle, passed away in 1981.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Inc. (2050 Pfingsten Road, Suite 127, Glenview, Ill., 60025).
Former International Vice-President George DeBolt, 1933-2003
Former BLE International Vice-President George DeBolt passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, June 10. Brother DeBolt, a member of BLE Division 682 (Hammond, Ind.), served as an International Vice-President from 1986-1996.
In 1951, Brother DeBolt began his railroad career as a fireman on the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in Blue Island, Ill. He was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer on June 28, 1969 and joined the BLE in 1976.
Brother DeBolt, 70, was a veteran of the Korean War.
"Brother DeBolt was an honored and dedicated member of the BLE's Advisory Board for many years," said BLE International President Don M. Hahs. "On behalf of the 59,000 men and women of the BLE, I extend deepest sympathies to Brother DeBolt's family and friends."
His brother, T.A. DeBolt, was also a locomotive engineer on the IHB and is a retired member of Division 682.
Prior to his serving as an International Vice-President, DeBolt held the positions of local chairman of Division 682 (1976-1977) and General Chairman on the Indiana Harbor Belt (1977-1986).
He is survived by his wife Eileen, two children, seven step-children, 17 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the America Diabetes Association, 30 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60602.
© 2003 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers