03/02/2026
It is with profound sadness that I announce that our friend and co-worker, Roger Shuff, passed away peacefully this weekend surrounded by his family after a fifteen (15) year courageous battle with cancer.
Rog was simply the best. His unassuming demeanor and easy to talk to persona made him a favorite of so many. To me personally, Rog was a mentor, a sounding board, an advocate, and above all, he was one of my dearest personal friends. He will be missed by me and all of us at Dunn Harrington immensely.
Roger started working for Conrail (now Norfolk Southern) in 1972 soon after graduating from Elkhart High School, where he met Sandi, the love of his life. Rog worked at Conrail as a brakeman and then a conductor, but his passion was service to his brothers and sisters in his union. Rog quickly rose the ranks of the United Transportation Union (now SMART-TD) serving several terms as Local Chairman for UTU Local 194 in Elkhart, Indiana. His zealous advocacy for his co-workers was relentless. He was an honest dealer who never gave an inch. A warrior for labor when it needed it most as the railroads pushed hard to cut its workforce to advance corporate profits.
A permanently disabling on-duty injury in the late 1990’s cut short Roger’s career on the railroad as an employee, but in some ways, this was just the start of his life’s work. Many will remember Roger most as a field investigator. Since 2001, Roger has attended thousands of union meetings for my law firm, and my predecessor firm. Every union member, local officer, general committee officer, international officer and attorney, who worked with Roger, liked and respected him- an astounding achievement in this industry.
Roger was humble and soft-spoken but carried a big stick. In this field of work, we often encounter people during their most difficult and trying times – injured, out of work, and hurting both physically and emotionally. Roger’s compassion, to those who needed it the most, was a gift. His knowledge of the industry was as limitless as his willingness to share it with others. Rog mentored so many young people – including myself. For this, I will be grateful forever.
Rog and I have spent countless hours away from home together on the road going to meetings, seeing clients, just endless car time talking. It was in these times, the long car rides that I so intimately learned, above all else, Roger loved his family. Sandi and their boys, Ryan and Matthew, and their families were his pride and joy. Rog and Sandi’s grandchildren were the center of his universe; he was always bringing me up to speed on sleepovers, plays, recitals, sports activities, or just a game night on the weekend. He loved them all so very much.
Oh yeah, he also really loved the Chicago Bears – not as much as family, but a close second! Next year when the Bears are hoisting that Lombardi Trophy, rest assured, his hand from above will have played a contributing role!
There are not sufficient words to describe what Roger meant to so many of us. He will be missed and forever remembered. His legacy in the railroad industry will go on forever.
Service arrangements are in formation and will be announced at a future date.
Rest in peace, my friend.
