Letter Eulogizes Fatally Injured Train Crew

[RayJr]

Letter Eulogizes Fatally Injured Train Crew
September 5, 2008 | 12:25 p.m. CDT

The Corporate Relations group received this letter from a citizen following the Aug. 29 collision between a UP train and a propane tanker that failed to yield at a crossing near Medford, Okla. Locomotive Engineer Richard Pendarvis and Conductor Larry Williams were fatally injured.

My sincerest and deepest sympathies go out to the families of Mr. Williams and Mr. Pendarvis, as well as to the entirety of the Union Pacific.

I was in Medford on that dreadful day, and while I did not witness the tragedy personally, something happened that has affected me somewhat profoundly, and hopefully the sharing of it may provide some solace for the families who have suffered such a tremendous loss.

For several years I lived in Medford and owned property that was adjacent to the railroad tracks. I cannot count the number of times when, while waiting to cross the tracks or while working in the adjacent field, a friendly wave from the locomotive would greet me along with the resoundingly loud horn. The train would lumber on past to destinations unknown, leaving only a pleasant little reminder of the childhood fascination that all boys have about trains. I have since moved away from Medford and no longer have as much exposure to the trains, and sometimes I miss that.

On the morning of Aug. 29 I happened to be in Medford working out of my company's office there. It is located along Highway 81, which runs parallel to the railroad tracks. Having left a needed item in my vehicle, I stepped out of the office into the bright sunshine, and walked to the parking area immediately in front of the building. Having retrieved the item and being lost in thought and focused on other things, I paid little attention to the approaching train as I was walking back to the office door.

When the horn loudly sounded, I paused and turned to see the familiar sight of a friendly, comforting wave from the right side of the locomotive. Instictively, I waved back, my spirits again boosted by someone I did not know, and continued on my way.

It was only moments later that the collision occurred.

I do not know with which man I exchanged waves that day. I am quite sure that either one would have done the same thing, depending on where his assigned station was on the locomotive.

I do know that if it had been my family member lost so tragically and suddenly, it would be comforting to know that one of the last gestures of my loved one had such a lasting positive effect on a complete stranger.

You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely,

Brian XXXX