Last Runs

Rau thankful for BLE

BLE Division 382 member David L. Rau made his last run on September 14, 2001 from Buffalo, N.Y. to Willard, Ohio.

Brother Rau began his career on March 29, 1956 as a fireman on steam engines for the New York Central Railroad in Buffalo. He earned his promotion to engineer in 1962 on the New York Central. He later worked for Conrail and CSX after the mergers and acquisitions of the past three decades.

On February 1, 1976, Rau joined his father, Franklin G. Rau, and two brothers, Gary A. Rau and Wayne K. Rau, as members of BLE Division 382 (Buffalo, N.Y.). The Rau family has over 100 years of total service on the railroad. Brother Rau served as his division's secretary-treasurer from 1977-1997.

Brother Rau joined his father on the railroad because he always loved trains.

"I only wanted a Lionel Train for Christmas, but my father said 'come on kid, I'll get you the real thing,'" said Rau.

Brother Rau and his wife Bonnie were married on August 8, 1964. They have three children - David, Dana and Amy - and five grandchildren.

During his retirement, Rau plans to travel, hunt and fish. He is a member of the Masons, the Shriners and the Holland Rod and Gun Club. He plans to continue these memberships during his retirement years. However, the most important activity for Brother Rau during his retirement will be spending time with his family.

"This job has given me and my family a very good living," said Rau. "Not too much of a home life, though. But things have been getting better and better every year and I have the BLE to thank for that."

The Rau's live at: 20 Cherrywood Dr., Holland, N.Y. 14080.

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Shelton retires after 44-year career

Brother Robert R. Shelton of BLE Division 665 (Centralia, Ill.) made his last run on July 27, 2001 on the 7:59 a.m. switch engine in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Centralia yards.

Brother Shelton hired out as a machinist helper on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy in October 1957 after four years of service in the U.S. Air Force. He went firing on February 9, 1957 and was promoted to locomotive engineer by the CB&Q on July 3, 1964. He worked for the CB&Q through all of the mergers and retired from the BNSF.

He became a member of BLE Division 665 in Centralia in 1967. He served as that division's secretary-treasurer from 1968-1970, its president from 1971-1973, and its local chairman from 1973-1998. He was a four-time delegate to the International Convention. When he retired, he was serving as Division 665's assistant local chairman.

"At my first union meeting in 1967, I was appointed secretary-treasurer. I held elective office until the year 2000," he said. "I've never regretted any of the time I served."

He and his wife, Norma, were married in 1960. They have two children, Beth Ann Johnson and Richard L. Shelton, and two grandchildren.

During his retirement, Brother Shelton plans to do "no more than I have to." His hobbies include running and rabbit hunting. He also enjoys spending time with his grandchildren, Alexandra Nicole and Camden Thomas.

"I will always remember working in 1957-1959 on the steam engines at Herrin Junction," said Shelton. "I worked as a steam engine fireman in the coal fields and it is something I will never forget."

The Sheltons live at: 5 Glenda Ave., Centralia, Ill. 62801.

Surprise party marks Martin's retirement

BLE Division 354 in Kankakee, Ill., lost a valuable asset when former Secretary-Treasurer J.A. Martin made his last run on August 31, 2001. Brother Martin served as Division 354 secretary-treasurer for 20 years, from 1980-2000.

Martin began his railroad career as a fireman on the New York Central in 1958 and was promoted to locomotive engineer by the New York Central in 1963. He later worked as a locomotive engineer for the Penn Central, Conrail and Norfolk Southern. He joined the BLE in March 1970.

Brother Martin and his wife, Marylin, have been married since 1959. The couple has two children, Michelle Wedig and Desneiges Richmond, and five grandchildren.

During his retirement, Martin plans to travel. He enjoys woodworking, furniture making and spending time with his grandchildren.

At a surprise party on September 29, 2001, several of Brother Martin's nieces and nephews told stories about him, recounting his many railroading stories and his ability to nap on the floor after 24 years of being on call.

The Martins live at: 509 Evergreen Lane, Bradley, Ill. 60915.

Father Findley trains son

Brother John J. Findley Sr. of BLE Division 778 (Des Moines, Iowa) made his last run on May 31, 2001.

Brother Findley began his railroad career in March 1965 as a brakeman on the Rock Island Railroad in both freight and passenger service. In 1968, he joined the Chicago Great Western as a brakeman and soon became a conductor. A year later, Findley was transferred to engine service and was quickly promoted to locomotive engineer by the Chicago & North Western.

Brother Findley, who considers himself a social activist, joined BLE Division 778 in 1974. Brother Findley supports all crafts in his activism and in 1972 ran for the Iowa State House of Representatives.

Findley will take many good memories of his job with him into retirement. His best times at work have come with his family beside him. His two brothers and brother-in-law worked with him on the Chicago & North Western. His son, John Jr. works for the Union Pacific in Des Moines and was able to make training trips with his father before he retired.

During his retirement, Brother Findley plans to spend more time with his five children and his grandchildren. He also plans to run, play guitar and volunteer his time with special needs children.

Findley would like to thank all of his co-workers for the years of friendship and fellowship that made his career special.

Findley lives at: 1041 22nd St., Apt. 1, Des Moines, Iowa 50311-4409.

Photo caption: Brother Findley, left, with his son, John Jr., following one of the their student engineer trips together.

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© 2001 Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers