Brothers and Sisters,

It is with sincere regret that I announce the passing of Brother Richard Beaudoin. I never met Richard, but after reading his letter to his Brothers on the Ontario Northlands Railway following his diagnosis with Pancreatic Cancer in April of 2009, I feel a certain bond with him. He sounds just like a lot other old time Railroaders from my era right across this country. On behalf of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference Maintenance of Way Employees, I would like to offer my sincere condolences to his fiancé Deb Charyna, his daughter Stephanie, his son Troy and the rest of his family, loved ones and friends.

Railroaders and particularly Maintenance of Way employees have always had a special bond. They are proud to be tough and hard working, dedicated and loyal. They get the job done and look out for their Brothers. We are all in it together and only we really realize the impact on each other and our families. We know each others’ wives and children and they are in our thoughts when we are looking out for each other every day. I have included Richards’ letter because I think he says it all very well. I got a bit choked up when I read it, being an old railroader myself.

TO:      All Brothers of Maintenance of Way
DATE:   April 8, 2009

Richard Beaudoin

The following was written by Brother Beaudoins’ fiancé Deb. It contains a unique story about Richard that many Railroaders and especially Brothers on the ONR can relate to.

Richard started on the ONR in the summer of 1984 as an extra gang labourer. Throughout his near 25 years with the ONR Richard has worked a variety of positions; with many “brothers”, in many towns. He loves his job; working outside and enjoying the company of his coworkers and getting a chance to see natures’ beauty every single day.

One of the funny memories Richard recalls vividly involves the outdoors and the wildlife we see on the tracks; as well as the inconveniences we endure. One spring day approaching the turn-around at Otter, Mother Nature called Richard to the outhouse. After his business Richard opened the outhouse door to find a huge black bear had come to rest between him and the High-railer unit. Not knowing how to get the bear out of his path Richard thought he’d just rap on the window and yell for the bear to move; he must have had a special bond with that bear because to his surprise the bear looked around, got up and sauntered away clearing his path. That wasn’t the only wildlife Richard and all of us get to see; a little perk to the job.

Richard is a father of 2; a daughter Stephanie, and son Troy. For the past year and a half he found love with his future wife Deb.

I am certain all of us can relate to that story and have at least one like it of our own to tell about the beauty and the misery that our occupation brings with it. The fellowship we share carries us together through the good and bad times we all share with each other and our families.

Pancreatic Cancer, like many cancers is treatable to varying success, dependant on early detection. In Richards’ case, the diagnosis came late and the disease progressed quite rapidly following that. His passing, though very sad, should be seen as a reminder to us all to have regular check- ups and physical examinations on the frequency recommended for our age group. Those in high risk groups should be screened for cancers even more frequently. The outcome can be more positive.

Most of us have been touched by cancer in some way. We all know someone who has had experience with this terrible disease. For those who would like to help in the fight against it, you are encouraged to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society. You could do it in Richards’ memory. Or you could do it for your own personal reasons.

In Sympathy and Solidarity,

Ross Terry
Vice President
TCRC MWED