This is a tribute to the late Amtrak / AVP & Chief Engineer, Gene E. Ellis. It was (30) years ago when I had the great honor and pleasure to travel on the Amtrak California Zephyr in B Car with Mr. & Mrs. Ellis. This trip was the longest job promotion interview in my entire career. And is documented in my memoir (Chapter 20). Mr. Ellis was a true railroad legend. A man well respected in the railroad industry. In searching for photos of Mr. & Mrs. Ellis for my website, I was recently able to connect with their daughter Deborah. Deb thanks for the photos. Deborah said, “Dad was a huge believer in second chances. He truly believed and lived forgiveness.” Looking back on the many years of my railroad career, I can say Mr. Ellis was indeed a great man. It seems like just yesterday when Dave Staplin stepped off the train in Denver and said welcome aboard. Mr. & Mrs. Ellis you are remembered by many fond friends in the railroad community and your family. Well done good and faithful servants!

Mr. & Mrs. Ellis

Mr. Gene E. Ellis

The Amtrak B Car