Last Runs

Winter 2002
Volume 109 - No. 4

Last Runs

Brother Farris called off sick once in 37 years

Only once in his 37 year career did Brother Larry L. Farris of BLE Division 120 (Kansas City, Mo.) ever call off sick, but on August 16, 2002, he decided to make his last run and end his long career.

The winner of numerous safety awards, Brother Farris made his last run in the North Kansas City Yards. His retirement became effective on August 17.

Brother Farris began his railroad career in 1961 as a fireman on the Norfolk & Western Railroad. He was promoted to engineer by that same railroad in 1968 and joined the BLE in 1974. His grandfather C.E. Vauter worked in the machine shops for the Wabash Railroad in the 1930s and 1940s. His brother-in-law, Chris Rickersten, is a conductor for Norfolk Southern.

Brother Farris and his wife of 42 years, Karen, have three children, Steven, Debra and David. The couple has three grandchildren, Allison, Brandon and Casey.

During his retirement, Farris plans to simply retire by spending time at the lake, traveling and "just taking it easy." He enjoys tennis and other sports, along with his music collection and television.

Brother Farris would like to hear from his friends and former co-workers. He can be reached at: 703 N.E. 67 Place, Gladstone, MO 64118.

Brother Lawrence honored by International President Hahs

Brother Richard Lawrence, center, of BLE Division 48 (St. Louis) receives congratulations and a 30-year membership pin from BLE International President Don M. Hahs, right, and Missouri State Legislative Board Chairman Mickey Gage. Brother Lawrence recently retired from the railroad and relinquished his active service to the BLE, which included many years of dedicated work for the Missouri State Legislative Board. Brother Lawrence joined the BLE in 1972. Congratulations may be sent to him at: 2817 Covey Lane, Jefferson City, MO 65109.

Divisions 307 and 197 hold retirement party

A retirement party was held on October 10, 2002 for Brother Bill G. Day of BLE Division 307 (San Antonio, Tex.) and Brothers Charlie R. Day and Doyle A. Long of Division 197 (San Antonio, Tex.).

Brother Bill Day joined the BLE on July 1, 1962 and retired on October 1, 2002. Friends can wish him well at: 12146 Apricot, San Antonio, TX 78247.

Brother Charlie R. Day joined the BLE on July 20, 1970 and retired on December 1, 1999. He lives at: 12023 Lilac Blossom, San Antonio, TX 78247.

Brother Doyle A. Long joined the BLE on September 1, 1970. Congratulations may be sent to him at: 115 Caleta Beach, San Antonio, TX 78232.

Pictured, from left, are: R. H. Moore III, Local Chairman of Division 307; Bill G. Day; Former BLE member Ron Lang (retired M.O.P. manager of operating practices); Charlie R. Day; and Doyle A. Long.

Brother Turley honored by Division 446 upon retirement

Brother R.D. "Derry" Turley received a retirement plaque from the officers and members of BLE Division 446 (Gallup, N.M.) at the monthly division meeting on March 11, 2002. Brother Turley hired out in 1967 and went into engine service in 1973. He joined the BLE in August 1973. From left: Division 446 member Philip Gutierrez; Division 446 President J.T. "Bucky" Butkovich; Brother Turley; Division 446 Secretary-Treasurer Rick Fuller; and Division 446 member Bruce Yates. Well wishes may be sent to Brother Turley at: 85 Miranda Road, Veguita, NM 87062.

LIRR honors retirees at 35th annual dinner-dance

BLE Division 268 held its 35th annual dinner dance on November 9, 2002. Among the invited guests attending the dinner dance were BLE International President Don M. Hahs and First Vice-President & Alternate President Edward Rodzwicz. Long Island Rail Road General Chairman Robert Evers honored 17 retirees at the event.

Front Row from left: Carl Bordieri, Kenneth Harrigan, Peter Craig, Howard Kantrowitz, Bradford Hansel, Thomas Alferman, Peter Koltun, Ronald King, Gary Maher and Thomas Sannuto.

Back Row from left: Robert Pieper, Riccardo Wilson, Neil Manttari, General Chairman Evers, William Peterson Jr., George Sponheimer Jr., Raymond Jacques and Wilfred Hancock.

Longtime BLE member F.D. "Frank" Boyle, center, was presented with a commemorative plaque by LIRR General Chairman Bob Evers, left, and BLE International President Don M. Hahs, right. Brother Boyle joined BLE Division 269 in 1945. Sadly, Brother Boyle passed away on February 5, 2003.

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