108 years honoured at CNR retirement party

By Ken Johnston
Editor

There were laughs, applause and tears shed at the annual Canadian National Railway retirement party in Rainy River over the weekend.
Three men and their spouses were the guests of honour. Ralph and Deb Armstrong, Leland and Pam Westover and Doug and Burdella Stein all sat at the head table.
After a delicious roast beef dinner several presentations were made before the partying began.
Master of Ceremonies David Ivall began by introducing all the retirees and their spouses; giving a a brief history on each of their careers with the railroad.
Ralph Armstrong
Began as a Brakeman May 5, 1972. He was promoted to Conductor May 5, 1975. He worked in Rainy River, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg. He officially retired Oct. 31, 2006 with 34.5 years of service.
Armstrong also played a key role in the United Transportation Union serving as local chair since 1983 less four years.
Doug Stein
Hired on Sept. 27, 1971 as a Conductor. He worked in Winnipeg and Fort Frances and officially retires June 30, 2007 with 36 years of service.
Leland Westover
Hired on Sept. 16, 1968. He was promoted to Conductor on Oct. 21, 1971. He worked in LaVallee Section, The Pas, Sioux Lookout, Atikokan, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and Rainy River. He officially retired Jan. 31, 2007 with 38 years of service.
Deputy Mayor of Rainy River Gerry Marchuk was the first presenter to offer congratulations to the retirees. He also brought greetings and certificates from Howard Hampton, MPP for the riding.
MC David Ivall read a letter from Gen. UTU Chair for years Barry Henry that struck a real chord with retiree Ralph Armstrong. He spoke of a time where he and Ralph were in a head on car collision and how Ralph put his arm across Henry’s chest to protect him and said, “Debbie and the kids I love you.” Both survived the crash and became the closest of family friends over the years. That letter had Armstrong shedding an emotional tear. “How can anyone not love Ralph,” said Henry.
Retirement Committee Member Doug Hartnell presented each of the retirees with certificates one behalf of MP Ken Boshcoff.
Retirement Committee Member Don Beyak presented each of the retirees with a special and now traditional gift. Each year Rick Peterson makes wood scrawled steam engines for the retirees. This year he made, for the first time, cabooses for them as they were all conductors. Also receiving them were retirees that were missed over the years; Roger Bonot, Don Bolen and Jack McNabb.
Each retiree and their spouse also received a gift from the retirement committee.
Each of the retirees made a few remarks and they all agreed their spouses deserved the greatest thanks for supporting them and taking care of family when they were on the road at all hours and sometimes gone for days.
Armstrong was especially thankful that his brother John was able to make it. John is a Vice-president of the UTU at the national level. Ralph did not expect him to make it as he is often on the road for the union. But he surprised him on Saturday.
John spoke to the crowd and retirees and noted that he was very pleased to be part of the occasion and said, “I don’t think there is any place like Rainy River in the world.” He received a standing ovation from the crowd.
To cap off the presentations Don Beyak played The Working Man by Johnny Cash and dedicated it to them. He also gave each of them a CD with the song on it.
The evening wrapped up with a dance featuring a live band.
Editor’s Note: There was a fourth retiree to be honoured at the party on Saturday, however John Florek could not make the party do to the passing of his brother.