Remembering labor advocate Kenneth Rogers

Brother Kenneth Lloyd Rogers, age 67, passed away December 21, 2015 at his home in Rocklin, Calif. Services were held in Roseville, Calif. December 28, 2015. Rogers is survived by his wife, Mooling Rogers, his three daughters, Kristen, Gwendolyn, and Amy, and many extended family members, friends and colleagues.

Rogers was a graduate of the University of California with a BS degree in zoology, and held lifelong interests on subjects ranging from science, politics and history, to labor advocacy and the rights of workers. Above all else, his main focus was his family.

Rogers dedicated over 40 years of service to the Union Pacific Railroad and Local 492 (Sacramento, Calif.). He will always be remembered by his Brothers and Sisters as a remarkable person and a staunch labor advocate, who stood up for what was right, even if it went against the grain. Whatever the issue—disciplinary matter, seniority dispute, medical insurance, or on-duty injuries, Rogers did the research, made the arguments, and built a solid case.

His research on any given subject was well-known for its depth, scope and detail.  Rogers’ “chain of custody” arguments regarding FRA and company drug and alcohol testing became, and remain, the industry standard. Regardless of the issue, when those in authority (whether union or company) found out that Rogers was on the case, they sat up and paid attention.

When Rogers retired, he brought that same passion to the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railroad Employees (NARVRE), and was a champion on behalf of retired railroaders and their spouses, fighting for RRB, including medical insurance and life insurance benefits.

Kenneth Lloyd Rogers was one-of-kind; he will be greatly missed and always remembered.