Honor Rolls

Winter 2000
Volume 107 - No. 4

Honor Rolls

President Emeritus McLaughlin honored at SWCM

President Emeritus Ronald P. McLaughlin received his 50-year pin from International President Edward Dubroski at the 2000 Southwestern Convention Meeting in St. Louis, Mo.

McLaughlin was elected to the BLE's highest office on August 22, 1991 at the Fifth Quinquennial Convention. Prior to his election, he served as First Vice-President & Alternate President and was elected to the vice-presidency in 1986.

Brother McLaughlin began his railroad career in 1948, as a fireman on the Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (The Milwaukee Road) and joined BLE Division 393 in 1950. In 1952, he earned his promotion to locomotive engineer.

In 1960, McLaughlin was elected local chairman of Division 393. In 1971, he became vice-chairman of the BLE General Committee of Adjustment on the Milwaukee Road and was elected General Chairman in 1981. His father also held that office.

Brother McLaughlin and his wife Barbara, raised four sons.

The McLaughlin's live at: 56 Pimlico Drive, Bella Vista, AR 72714.

Caption: Current BLE International President Dubroski, left, presents President Emeritus McLaughlin with his 50-year membership pin.


Reiller reaches 47-year membership plateau

Brother A. J. "Tony" Reiller, a member of BLE Division 421 (Buffalo, N.Y.) achieved Honor Roll status with 47 years of continuous BLE membership, prior to his passing earlier this year.

Reiller was a second generation railroader, following in the footsteps of his father, Albert C. Reiller, also a member of Division 421. Brother Reiller Jr. went firing on the New York Central on October 21, 1948, exactly 30 years after his father had joined the railroad.

He was promoted to engineer in June 1964. He became a member of the BLE prior to that on March 13, 1952. His father had worked on the railroad from 1918 to 1969, and passed away on Oct. 19, 1974.

Brother Reiller and his wife Anne were married on May 5, 1951 and had three children - one daughter, Sue Ann, and two sons, William and David. In his free time, Reiller enjoyed woodworking and participating in American Legion events.

According to his wife, Brother Reiller had planned on working until he was 75 years old because "he loved the railroad so much."

Brother Reiller passed away on July 15, 2000, after a battle with cancer.

Condolences can be sent to: Anne Reiller, 5638 Coachmans Lane, Hamburg, NY 14075.

Caption: A.J. "Tony" Reiller

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