Earle Freeborn, Leo Vezina, Andre (Zenon) Rioux leave CPR ranks to retire as last 'firemen' to leave railway in Chapleau in 1993

First passenger diesel in 1949

Three locomotive engineers with many years of service on the Canadian Pacific Railway "all left the ranks to enjoy retirement", in 1993 which was also an historic moment as they were also the last three "firemen" to leave the railway at Chapleau.

They were Earle Freeborn, Leo Vezina and Andre (Zenon) Rioux.

An article about them notes that Earle had something to boast about as he was never involved in a derailment, runoff or mishap and his record showed no demerit marks over all his 41 years of service.

Earle was also quite involved with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers as vice chair of the local as well as service on the EAP committee. Earle was written up as an engineer in 1961 became permanent locomotive engineer in 1974.

On his last day of work trip into Chapleau, the article notes that his wife Nancy, daughter Shelley and son David met the train at Esher and drove the rest of the way into Chapleau on it with Earle.

Earle has been very involved in Chapleau community life including service on the Chapleau Board of Education and as mayor of the Township of Chapleau.

During layoffs which were quite frequent during his early years on the CPR, Leo worked in the ice house, on the lake and on snow gangs. For many years he was chair of the locomotive engineers local. The article says "His knowledge and wisdom will certainly be missed."

As Leo retired he and his wife Joyce also celebrated 27 years of marriage on April 23 plus their eldest son Chris received his Master's degree in Biology as Leo made his last trip on April 30 - May 1.

He added that fishing, computers and photography would keep him busy as well as keeping track of the children -- Darryl, Deborah, Jen and Chris.

Andre, (known best perhaps as Zenon) started with the CPR as a mechanic's helper in 1954 before joining the running trades as a fireman in 1954.

He became a full time engineer in 1974 and "kept the throttle moving until his retirement"

On April 15, 1993, he had his last day of work on the CPR and also celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary with his wife Jeannine.

Golfing would be his favourite summer pastime and in due course, they moved to North Bay. 

I recall the involvement of Earle, Leo and Zenon in Chapleau hockey. Earle played and coached the Junior "B" Huskies of the International Junior "B'" Hockey League while Zenon played and was the first trainer of the Junior "B" Huskies when the team was established in 1966-67 by Keith 'Buddy' Swanson, Lorne Riley and Tom Welch. Leo played and was great supporter of Chapleau minor hockey. His son Chris played on the Chapleau Midget team I coached in 1982-83.

This threesome are also members of not only Chapleau pioneer families but of CPR families in the community.

I only recently came across the article about them in Algoma/Hi - Rail Edition No 22, CP Rail System, May/June 1993. My email is mj.morris@live.ca