August 30, 2026 | News, Obituary, Top News
The BLET National Division extends deepest condolences to the family of retired BLET General Chairman Jack McDermott, who passed away on August 11 at the age of 106. McDermott hired out with the Union Pacific in 1941 as a fireman, and was one of the last locomotive...
May 24, 2026 | News, Obituary, Top News
The BLET National Division extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother J.T. (Todd) Sizemore, Chairman of the BLET Alabama State Legislative Board, who passed away on May 22. He was 51 years old. “Todd was certainly one of the finest individuals...
April 20, 2026 | News, Obituary, Top News
A tragic house fire has claimed the life of retired BLET member Walter Palmer and his three granddaughters, ages 16, 10 and 8. Palmer was their primary caregiver after their mother died of cancer. The 71-year-old Palmer was a retired member of BLET Division 582 in...
February 11, 2026 | News, Obituary, Top News
The BLET National Division extends deepest condolences to the family and friends of Brother Ryan Snow who unexpectedly passed away on February 4. He was 61 years old. Snow’s railroad career began in 1998 when he hired out with the Union Pacific Railroad in...
October 24, 2025 | News, Obituary, Top News
The BLET is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Brother Daniel P. Peterson, age 52, who died on the morning of October 19 as a result of an incident while working as a conductor for BNSF Railway. Brother Peterson was a proud and active member of BLET Division 232 in...
July 31, 2025 | News, Obituary, Top News
Ross Rowland was a rail enthusiast and a champion for the preservation of steam locomotives for decades. He was named an honorary BLET member in the early 1970s. Photo from the BLET archives ____________________ Ross Rowland, one of only 16 lifetime honorary members...
July 8, 2025 | News, Obituary, Top News
Former BLE International President Clarence V. Monin passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 26. He was 84 years old. He served in the union’s highest office from 1996-1998. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Monin family in their time of loss,” said...
April 2, 2025 | News, Obituary, Top News
In a shocking development for the close-knit members of BLET Division 71 who operate regional rail trains for SEPTA, locomotive engineer Jordan Baxter was found dead in his driveway on March 19. Jordan Baxter had been a member of Division 71 in Philadelphia for 10...
February 21, 2025 | News, Obituary, Top News
Robert D. (“Bob”) Broka, who served the BLET National Division as Director of Records, passed away on February 13. He was 77 years old. Broka began working for the Brotherhood in 1970 and retired in 2010. His 40 years of service spanned the administration of 11...
January 14, 2025 | Derailment, Fatality, Memorials, News, Obituary, Top News
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 19, to honor the two Union Pacific workers who were killed in last month’s train derailment in Pecos, Texas. The ceremony is open to the public and will be held at the West of the Pecos Museum at 4:00 p.m. (120 E....
