Last Runs

Fall/Winter 2003
Volume 110 - No. 3 & 4

Last Runs

Holtquist a proud, fourth-generation locomotive engineer

Brother Michael G. Holtquist is a fourth-generation engineer who at one point had 18 different family members working in the railroad industry.

Brother Michael G. Holtquist of BLE Division 391 (Fort Madison, Iowa), who made his last run on July 31, 2003 for the BNSF, is a fourth-generation locomotive engineer.

His great-grandfather, grandfather and father were all locomotive engineers for the Chicago & Northwestern and his brother, W.H. Holtquist, is also a locomotive engineer and a member of BLE Division 683 (Chicago). His cousin is also an engineer for Union Pacific.

"My brother, cousin and I are the fourth generation of engineers in our family. At one time, we had 18 members of our family working for the railroad industry in different jobs," he said. "My family and I have seen a lot of progress throughout our careers, some positive and some not positive, like the new remote control equipment that takes away jobs and jeopardizes the safety of employees and communities."

Brother Holtquist began his railroad career in 1963 as a electrician helper on the Chicago & Northwestern Railway in Chicago. He went firing in April 1967 and was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer in May 1969. He joined the BLE on July 1, 1967.

During his time as a BLE member, he held the positions of secretary-treasurer (1991-96) and president (1996-99) for Division 458.

Brother Holtquist and his wife, Marsha, have three daughters, one son and three grandsons. During his retirement, Brother Holtquist plans to travel, spend time with his family, do yard work, garden, fish and camp. He holds various offices at the local and state level in the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

"I'll miss the hi-balling, but it's time to go fishing," Holtquist said.

When he is not fishing, you can find Brother Holtquist at: 1949 Ole Hickory Rd., Amboy, Ill. 61310.

Harrop began with Colorado & Southern

Brother Harrop

Brother Ronald J. Harrop of BLE Division 186 (Denver, Colo.) made his last run on April 15, 2003.

Brother Harrop began his railroad career in 1958 as a fireman on the Colorado and Southern Railway. He joined the BLE in 1963 and was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer by the Colorado and Southern in 1965.

"I have enjoyed being a BLE member through the years," he said.

During his retirement years, Brother Harrop plans to "do some traveling." He also enjoys collecting stamps.

Old friends wishing to contact Brother Harrop may write to him at: 515 Claritson Street, #408, Denver, Colo. 80218.

Cooper recognized for professionalism at retirement party

Brother Joseph C. "J.C." Cooper of BLE Division 14 (Washington, D.C.) retired on August 29, 2003, climbing down from the cab of Amtrak train Number 89 in Richmond, Va.

He entered engine service as a fireman in 1972, and was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer in 1973. He joined the BLE on November 1, 1977.

Prior to beginning work as a trainman on the former Seaboard Coast Line Railroad in 1970, Brother Cooper and his wife of 42 years, Lanelle, worked in the J.P. Stevens Company textile mills in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, which gained world wide notoriety after actress Sally Field won an Oscar in the title role of Norma Rae, who helped spur unionization of the workforce despite unrelenting opposition from the manufacturing giant and endured great personal hardship. The Coopers worked side by side with her at the mill.

The Coopers now reside in Colonial Heights, Va., have two children and three grandchildren.

A crowd of about 40 family members and friends were on hand for a festive reception in the station at which both management and coworkers celebrated Brother Cooper's retirement. In addition to an autographed poster inscribed by NASCAR race car legend Jimmy Johnson, Cooper was recognized by his employer and fellow employees for his professionalism, excellence and generosity.

The Coopers reside at: 1103 Covington Rd., Colonial Hts., Va. 23834.

Rohrer retires after 32 year career

Brother Roger Rohrer of BLE Division 348 (Elkhart, Ind.) made his last run for Norfolk Southern on June 14, 2002.

He began his railroad career in 1970 as a brakeman on the Penn Central in Elkhart. He was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer in 1988 by Conrail, and joined the BLE on Nov. 1, 1993.

He and his wife Suzanne have been married since 1968. He enjoys working with old cars and computers. He is an avid hunter, fisherman and target shooter and a ham radio operator.

The Rohrer's live at: 70604 Kessington Rd., Union, Mich. 49130.

Lynch completes nearly 12,000 runs throughout career

On July 31, 2003, Brother Patrick H. Lynch of BLE Division 476 (Eugene, Ore.) retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after making his 11,925th trip.

Brother Lynch began his railroad career with the Southern Pacific Railroad 43 years ago. He joined BLE Division 277 on December 4, 1961.

"I thoroughly enjoyed my years with the Southern Pacific Railroad," Brother Lynch said.

"Their organization truly treated their employees as adults, as an extended family and as working partners within their system.

"I want to thank my local chairman, Lou English and the BLE for their years of fine service," he continued. "My parting wish is that all locomotive engineers stay fully informed and stand up for their rights as valuable employees."

Brother Lynch's daughter is a junior at the University of Saint Andrews in Scotland, which is the school that Prince William of Great Britain attends. Lynch plans to visit her there during his retirement.

Brother Lynch lives at: 7056 SW Windemere Loop, Portland, Ore. 97225.

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