Harry Ross
1946-2019
Harry was born in San Francisco, California, on July 9, 1946. His family moved to Alaska in 1957. He got a job as a student brakeman with the The Alaska Railroad Corporation on May 21, 1968 and in 1971 became their first black Conductor. From 1979 to 1984, he oversaw train operations in the Anchorage Yard, first as a Yardmaster Trainee, then as a Yardmaster. In 1985, he resumed Conductor/Brakeman duties and remained in this position ever since. In March 2018 the Alaska Railroad recognized his 50 years of service and named dining coach 401 as The Harry Ross Coach. He remained employed at The Alaska Railroad for almost 51 years and retired in February 2019. He was known as "HR" and "Number 1".
Harry was also known as the singing conductor and had a passion for singing R&B music. I talked with Harry regarding his performances with The Diamonds at Blues Central for over 18 years. I eventually purchased their first album Rough Cut. The inside cover says it all, "Five guys who got together to play music with a motto, 'We'll only play as long as it's fun, when it's not fun, we're out of here!"
Windfall Films created the show Railroad Alaska Harry Ross would make several appearances. His iconic, "All Aboard", would kick off the opening sequence. On one episode long time offgridder Jim James is relying on passenger train conductor Harry Ross to get him to hospital after an accident. With the popularity of the show Harry found himself repeatedly being asked for pictures and autograph!
I first met Harry on June 17, 2000 when my Boy Scout troop rode the train from Seward to Anchorage. I am sure our group will never stop laughing at him handcuffing tour guide Katie to the step stool and walking out of the railcar. We would cross paths many times over the years with my last meet on the train to Seward on June 18, 2018. The train had encountered a wash out and Harry was full of seriousness and professionalism.
