(The Red River Valley & Western and Twin Cities & Western railroads issued the following on March 3, 2009.)
Charles H. Clay, 83, a cofounder and director of the Red River Valley & Western and the Twin Cities & Western railroads, died peacefully March 1, 2009, at his home in Edina, Minn.
In 1987, Mr. Clay and two other partners helped launch the 514-mile Red River Valley & Western Railroad, based in Wahpeton, N.D. They subsequently founded the 229-mile Twin Cities & Western Railroad, which began operations in 1991, and its 94-mile Minnesota Prairie Line affiliate, which started in 2002. Both are headquartered in Glencoe, Minn. In addition to being a board member, Mr. Clay provided legal counsel to the railroads.
Formation of these railroads preserved and revitalized hundreds of miles of track in Minnesota and North Dakota, which helped area farmers and businesses market their products more efficiently.
RRV&W and TC&W Chief Executive Officer Andy Thompson said, “These companies were very fortunate to have Chuck as a founder, director and legal counsel. His railroad and law experience were an invaluable combination–helping to guide the lines as they progressed through start-up and growth, eventually achieving national recognition for their success. He will be missed by all of us.”
A native of Troy, Mont., Mr. Clay earned business and law degrees from the University of Minnesota and began his law career in 1952 as an attorney with the Soo Line Railroad, Minneapolis. He was general attorney from 1959 until 1972, when he successively became general freight traffic manager-pricing, GFTM pricing and market development, and assistant to the president. He was promoted to vice president executive department in 1977 and was executive vice president from 1978 until 1984, when he joined the Minneapolis law firm of Head, Siefert and Vander Weide.
Mr. Clay was active in civic affairs until his death, serving as a member of the Civic Caucus Core Group; director and past president of the Citizens League and chair of its Metropolitan Council; and board member of Deaconess Hospital.
Visitation will be on Thursday, March 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapel, West 50th at Highway 100 S., Edina. Funeral services will be at Normandale Lutheran Church, Edina, on Friday, March 6, at 11:00 a.m., preceded by visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Mr. Clay is survived by his wife, Audrey; children Sheldon, Janis and Steven; six grandchildren; and sisters, Joyce Dickson and Patricia Kangas.