John Winnard Ellstrom

I'm a bit late here, but as I was reading an article about company relations with employees, Jack came to mind as one of a few decent, loyal, and competent bosses I ever worked under. What a great guy. RIP, Jack. Our memories remain.

I worked with Jack as a signal supervisor along with Gary Filcher Trainmaster out of Yakima. We called Jack "Dad". Jack was the Superintendent of Operations. Gary and I would at times get a bit wild with our duties and would have to refer to Jack in the middle of the night while he was sleeping, ot the time we inadvertently put a stop banner up in front of the SP4449 west of Wishram! Sometimes he would rip our behinds like nobody's business, but more like a father son talk. We had an...

To the Ellstrom family,

It is with the upmost sympathy that I write to you regarding Jack's passing. Jack was the best man I ever worked with at the railroad. I enjoyed our short time together at La Crosse, WI more than any other time in my career. When Jack left for Seattle/Everett I never enjoyed my job as much as I did when I worked for Jack. The world lost a hell of a man and a hell of a railroader. Rest easy my friend.

I'm sorry to hear about Jack's passing. He was a good man. I always had a good working relationship with him. Always calm and level headed and considerate. A stand up guy. He will be missed.

I first met Jack in January of 1978 in Fargo, ND. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.

Some of my best railroad days were when I was working for or with Jack. He was a great friend and was lucky to have a loving family through his battle with cancer. He went out a champ and he wouldn't have written a better ending. He so loved his family and they were with him at the end... Good bye Jack, the Luck family will miss you.