CLEVELAND, March 31 — A memorial fund has been established for the three men killed in the tragic BNSF Railway accident in Kelso, Wash., on March 23.
Donations will be divided equally among the families of Christopher J. Loehr, Steven D. Sebastian, and Thomas “Two Notch” Kenny, a member of BLET Division 238 in Tacoma, Wash. Additionally, funeral arrangements have been announced by Brother Kenny’s family (please see below).
Donations in memory of the three fallen workers should be sent to the “BNSF Memorial Fund 2011” account at the Cascade Federal Credit Union. The account Number is 38430. The locations of Cascade Federal Credit Union are listed below:
18020 80th Ave., S.
Kent, WA 98032
(425) 251-8888
Loans (425) 251-3600
Fax (425) 251-0299
Toll Free (800) 562-2853
12916 4th Ave., W., Suite A
Everett, WA 98204
(425) 290-8010
Fax (425) 290-3010
1706 D. Street, Suite C
Vancouver, WA 98663
(360) 695-0577
Fax (360) 695-3881
A separate donation fund has been established for the lone survivor of the tragedy: veteran conductor Dwight L. Hauck, 51, who remains in critical condition. Donations to Dwight Hauck can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank. When making a donation, please use the routing number 125008547 and the account number 8277835552.
Additionally, local employees who wish to donate personal leave days should email Paul McGill, Iptmcgill@hotmail.com.
The three men were killed when their off-duty crew transport vehicle was struck by a BNSF freight train in Kelso, Wash., sending the vehicle down a 25-foot embankment more than 50 feet from the crossing.
Brother Kenny, 58, was born on July 4, 1952 in Seattle. He was a 22-year veteran of BNSF and first joined the BLET on May 1, 1994.
Loehr, 28, was a student trainee who had been on the job for approximately 10 weeks. Sebastian, 60, was the van’s driver and an employee of Coach America.
Brother Kenny is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Laurie, children Victoria, Crystal, Samuel, Lorina, Manny Kenny and Annalea Rees, and one granddaughter, Kiana. He is also survived by his mother, Mary, and numerous siblings, nieces and nephews.
“On behalf of the entire BLET, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt sympathies to Brother Kenny’s wife Laurie, their children, and his entire family,” BLET National President Dennis R. Pierce said. “This was a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the Kenny family during this difficult time.”
The funeral for Brother Kenny will take place on April 2 from 1-4 p.m. at the Acacia Funeral Home, 14951 Bothell Way N.E., Seattle, Wash., 98155.
It will be followed by a celebration of his life at the Star Sutherland JR American Legion Hall, 14251 17th Ave. N.E., Shoreline, Wash., 98133.