ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Former Alaska Gov. Bill Sheffield, who was instrumental in the state’s purchase of the Alaska Railroad from the federal government and went on to serve as the railroad’s president, CEO, and board chairman, has died.
Sheffield died on Nov. 4. He was 94.
“There are just no words to encompass all that Bill Sheffield meant to our organization,” said current railroad CEO Bill O’Leary. “Alaska lost a great man, one who always put the state first and did what he believed was best for Alaskans. Bill set the example, and we will honor his contributions for many, many years to come.”
In 1982, during his term as the state’s fifth governor, Sheffield brokered the purchase of the railroad for just over $22 million, saving it from being shut down. After his term ended in 1986, he served on the railroad’s board of directors from 1995 to 1997, as its president and CEO) from 1997 to 2001, and then returned to its board in 2004. At the time of his death, he was board chairman emeritus.
“Over the years, Bill brought invaluable leadership and stewardship to the ARRC,” said current board chair John Shively. “The loss of someone who made countless contributions to Alaska is never easy, and he will be greatly missed. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with Bill. One of Bill’s proudest accomplishments as governor was the purchase of the Alaska Railroad, and once he left the governorship, he worked tirelessly to make sure the railroad was successful.”
An Alaska Public Radio obituary reports Sheffield was born in Spokane, Wash, in 1928, and moved to Alaska in 1953, when it was still a territory. He said one of his most popular moves as governor was uniting the state in a single time zone, rather than the three time zones it had previously covered. His term in office survived a corruption probe and consideration of an impeachment challenge, but his time as governor ended when he was defeated in the Democratic primary in 1986.
He is survived by his long-time partner Cheri. McGuire. His wife Lee Sheffield died in 1978.
And to think he was a Democrat.
Not all Democrats are the demons you make them out to be.
It’s very rare for a politicial to transition from politics to running a railroad. The governor did just that, and was responsible for sheparding many of the asset improvement projects for the AKRR such as SD-70 locomotives, increased track capacity, and the airport terminal. I had the pleasure of working directly for the Governor in analyzing and preventing furture derailments in the aftermath of the Gold Creek and Canyon derailments in the early 2000’s. He was the consumate professional and he will be missed.
Gary Wolf
Thank you for the kind words Gary!