Michigan’s Railroad Person of the Year - 2016
Neil Randall
Neil Randall has been chosen by his peers as the 2016 Michigan’s Railroad Person of the Year. He was born and raised and still resides in Durand, Michigan, and retired from CN as a Locomotive Engineer after 40 years of service.
He was hired, March 1970 as a clerk, scrubbing the depot floors on the midnight shift, and left to serve in the U.S. Army when drafted from 1970-1972. Upon his return, he became a yardman, switching cars in the yard, and finally he found his home in engine service from 1973 until retirement in 2010. His engine service was mainly in the Flint and Pontiac areas. He was a member of the BRAC, (Clerks), UTU (Yardman) and BLE (Engineer) unions during his career and served as Secretary/Treasurer of the BLE union for 2 years.
Neil comes from a family of railroaders. Wyman Bortel, an uncle, worked on the AA Railroad; Bob Randall, an uncle, worked on the GTW in Bridge and Building, Washington D. Darling, grandfather, worked at the GTW roundhouse, and Don Klette, father-in-law, was a GTW locomotive engineer.
In addition to railroading, Neil has held offices at the AmVets and the Durand Lionness. He and his wife also volunteer at the Durand Loaves and Fishes, a local food bank. He belongs to the Durand Eagles, and is a Durand Union Station volunteer. He also has coached Junior Varsity girls’ basketball, and also served as an assistant varsity coach.
He and Deb have been married 47 years and are now enjoying their retirement at their cottage up north and travelling throughout the country and in Canada, fishing. They are enjoying their seven grandchildren, and children: Amy and Jeff Lake, Erik and Raechelle Randall, and Courtney Randall. Neil’s children are very proud of him, and refer to him as a “dedicated railroader”. He is very personable and has worked with almost every past Michigan Railroad Person of the Year.
