Clarence F. Foose (1938-1999)

Clarence F. Foose, retired Vice President, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 1999, at the age of 61. He had served for 14 years as Vice President of the Western Region prior to his retirement January 1, 1998.

Foose joined the BMWE in November 1955 as a member of Subordinate Lodge 85. At various times he served as lodge president, vice president, recording secretary and grievance committee chairman.

In 1978, Foose was elected as General Chairman of the Pacific Federation, having previously served as Assistant Chairman-Secretary-Treasurer.

Foose began working for the Southern Pacific at the age of 17 as a track laborer. He later transferred to the Bridge and Building Department and worked as a painter, welder, assistant foreman and foreman.

Born in Casper, Wyoming on January 2, Foose was raised in California. He made his home in Sacramento prior to moving to Aurora, Colorado when he was elected vice president.

Foose is survived by his wife, the former Jacqueline Bushey of Aurora, nine children and 13 grandchildren.

Leo Regis (1939-1999)

Leo Regis at 1998 Grand Lodge Convention.

Leo Regis, passed away quietly on January 18, 1999 at the Montfort Hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. He was 59. A member of Subordinate Lodge 39, Regis has served as Secretary-Treasurer and Local Chairman. He was elected as System Secretary-Treasurer of the BMWE Eastern System Federation in 1987, the position he held at the time of his death.

Regis started working for the Canadian National Railway 30 years ago and was a Bridge and Building foreman prior to his election as a full-time union officer.

Born in Montreal, Quebec on October 11, 1939, Regis will be buried there. His wife Pauline preceded him in death approximately two-and-a-half years ago.

Announcing the establishment of the Leo Regis Memorial Scholarship Fund, Ron Bowden, General Chairman of the BMWE Eastern System Federation said, "All the officers that took office together in 1987 have worked very hard to make the system as strong as it is today. As an integral part of this team, it is fitting for us to honor Leo in this way."

Steve C. Martinez

Steve Martinez is presented with a plaque by Assistant to President Steve Powers at his retirement dinner on December 16, 1998.

Steve C. Martinez retired effective January 1, 1999, after serving the BMWE in its Chicago Arbitration office for almost 19 years.

Martinez joined the BMWE on January 4, 1952 as a member of Subordinate Lodge 591. Over the years he held the lodge positions of president, secretary-treasurer, and local chairman. He later served as General Chairman of the (former) Chicago & Western Indiana-Belt System Division.

Martinez and his wife Joan have eight children and make their home in Alsip, Illinois.