A Connecticut native, Smith is a graduate of Central Connecticut State College and began his railroad career as a yard clerk at Mechanicville, N.Y., in 1969. He later moved to the D&H motive power desk before being promoted to train dispatcher in May 1977. When D&H was acquired by Guilford in 1984, he continued with the railroad under new ownership. Guilford declared the railroad bankrupt in 1988 and abandoned its operation, which was taken over by New York, Susquehanna & Western until a new operator could be found. That operator was Canadian Pacific, which moved D&H’s dispatchers to Milwaukee after the takeover, and later to Minneapolis.
“He’s done a lot in his career. It’s kind of a miracle that he stuck it out and made it 50 years,” says Eric Hendrickson, Director of Network Planning for CSX, who began his railroad career as a Soo Line train dispatcher and worked in the same office as Smith. “I learned a lot from Gordy, he’s got an amazing amount of knowledge.”
Smith served as an informal “recruiter” encouraging young people to begin a career in railroading. Today at least two dispatchers at CP and another at BNSF began their careers thanks to Smith. In addition to his railroad work, Smith has served for several years as General Chairman of the American Train Dispatchers Association, the union representing train dispatchers for CP-Soo and CP-D&H. His term expires at the end of 2019, so he thought it would be appropriate to “pull the pin” on his railroad and union career at the same time.
Smith set a high bar in his profession as a positive, gracious and professional man. A well-known railfan in the Midwest and Northeast, railroaders and railfans alike wish him a long, happy retirement.
I just join Trains today and seen this.
I got the pleasure to work along side (well CP side) Gordy. From 2004 to 2008. Gordy you were always a pleasure to talk with. Your knowledge and insight was always well worth listening too. And your countless hours of being are union rep was the best I have ever had in my 20 years on the railroad.
If you by chance see this I hope retirement has treated you well and may you have clear signals for many more years.
Brad
Burchett
It would be great if he wrote a book on his carrier , and also tell his story in the Bridge Line Society news letter members would love to hear about and looking forward too it if he does it . Happy Retirement Gordy Smith !
do not know him, but he had a lifetime career and made it through mergers. Sounds like an great guy who passed along his knowledge to others. Happy Retirement, Gordy
Gordy and I worked for the D&H at the same time back in 1970, and were both in the Mechanicville Yard Office (I as a trainman, he as a clerk) on the same day that a fellow D&H trainman was murdered there. I went on to a military career, but my son went into railroading and served as D&H route dispatcher for CP, for some years, working alongside Gordy in Minneapolis.
No matter where I go I always run into people who know Gordy. Enjoy your retirement, Gordy.
In service for 50 years, WOW! May you enjoy a long and healthy retirement.
One hell of a guy and a great dispatcher! Enjoy your retirement and look forward to seeing you trackside!
There is a reason it is newsworthy when this guy retires. What a contribution to the industry, the craft and to railfans he has made over the years. Thank you, Gordy – I only know you from your online presence, but I could tell there was much to respect.
I don’t know him, but it makes me happy to see people who were dedicated to their craft and willing to share that with others. Hopefully I will run into him on some cruise ship.
Paul, according to Gordy, the stars just aligned at this point. Hard decision to make but it was his.
Was he told to retire on his birthday?
Proud that he is a great friend of mine. Thanks for putting this story out for others to hear.
I was able to learn dispatching on the D&H from him, once again congratulations Gordy!
No one could be prouder than me his little brother who always had my hand I his his to watch trains.
We love Gordy and can’t wait to be there for the next chapter of your remarkable life
Enjoy retirement Mr. Smith