Gary John McVicker, who had a lifelong love of trains and proudly worked for years as a switchman and locomotive engineer with the Belt and Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway, died on Jan. 1 at the age of 74.

McVicker lived in South Bend, Indiana, and was active in the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET).

He enjoyed many years flying his extensive collection of radio-controlled airplanes.

Teammates and friends described McVicker as quick-witted and regarded him as a natural mentor who added his real-life experience to training.

“People like Gary and my father taught me the tricks of the trade, adding a problem-solving approach to help eliminate the chance of getting hurt,” Digital Media Coordinator Joe Chacon said. “If a book about the BRC’s greatest railroader existed, it would have an extensive chapter dedicated to Gary’s service in the industry. Gary, you’ll be deeply missed.”