On behalf of The Livonia, Avon and Lakeville Railroad, The Western New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, The B&H Rail Corporation and The Ontario Midland Railroad executive team It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene (Gene) Hulburt Blabey II, Chairman Emeritus of the LAL and WNYP as well as Board Member Emeritus of the LAL subsidiary B&H Rail Corp (BH).
Gene’s passion for the railroad industry was honored in 2021 when the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) inducted Mr. Eugene Blabey Association’s inaugural Hall of Fame Class in the fall of 2021. As a lifelong fan and railroad industry advocate, Eugene played an integral role in developing and promoting short line railroads and their importance for the communities they serve.
The ASLRRA stated the following: “The modern short line industry has grown and flourished thanks to strong leaders and entrepreneurs who paved the way. The first ASLRRA Short Line Hall of Fame class includes three shinning stars who contribute greatly to the growth and success of their individual companies but sparked the short line industry renaissance as well.”
We are honored to work for a company that was built with vision and passion, and we are grateful for Mr. Blabey’s unwavering focus and commitment in driving the success of all our railroads. His countless years dedicated to the railroad industry and more specifically the short line railroad industry will go unmatched. Gene’s entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at an early age. He was blessed to be able to turn his passion for railroading into his life’s work. Aside from his family, the LA&L, B&H, OMID and WNYP railroads were the most important things in his life. He was always grateful for the people in his life and those that helped him make his dream a success.
Eugene Blabey II passed away peacefully on September 2nd, 2024, surrounded by his family – his wife of 59 years Shirley; his son Eugene, Eugene’s wife Annie and their two children Lauren and Tristan; His Daughter Nancy, Nancy’s husband Chris and their two children Logan and Brynn.
He will be greatly missed.
