Christopher McLarney

Chris, a loving son, brother, and uncle, passed away peacefully and without pain from complications related to cancer, with his family by his side. Chris, eldest son of Felix J. and Glenda L. McLarney, was a long-time Portland native, attending Laurelhurst Elementary School and graduating from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1977. Chris was not interested in pursuing further education beyond high school, choosing instead to pursue his life-long passion, railroading. Chris developed a fascination with railroads at an early age. While in elementary school, he began with scale-model railroad sets, a hobby which he enjoyed, along with aircraft and ship modelling, for his entire life. During his high-school years, his attention expanded to include several steam locomotives that were on display at Oaks Park. He began, on his own initiative, to give one particular locomotive, the SP&S 700, cosmetic restoration efforts even before he was old enough to drive. He would ride his bicycle from his NE Portland home down to Oaks Park on the weekends, laden with tools and supplies to dress up the appearance of this vintage machine. His efforts drew other volunteers that began to assist in this endeavor. Eventually, Chris formed the non-profit Pacific Railroad Preservation Association with the ultimate goal of restoring the locomotive to its’ former operational glory. After several years of hard work, these efforts were rewarded with the SP&S 700 once again becoming able to move under its own power, a status which it retains to this day. Chris was also involved in restoring the steam locomotive SP 4449, which pulled the American Freedom Train during the nation’s bicentennial celebrations. The SP 4449 was also featured in the Disney movie “Tough Guys”. During the filming of this movie, Chris was employed by Disney Studios as one of the handful of crew members hired to operate the train. In addition to his efforts to restore vintage steam locomotives, on a professional level Chris was heavily involved with the Amtrak trains that pass through Portland’s Union Station. Chris was the certified Chief Mechanical Inspector and supervisor with the contractor that provides the various required services and mechanical inspections needed by Amtrak trains transiting through Portland. His reputation amongst the rail community became nationwide, with many owners of private rail cars contracting his services over the years to provide required safety and mechanical inspections. He was also an avid collector of railroad equipment and memorabilia, culminating in his acquisition and complete restoration of a vintage caboose once operated by the Union Pacific. He is survived by his father, Felix; brother, Kelly; niece Desiree, and nephew Miles. No services will be held and he will be buried in the Red Men Cemetery at Port Townsend, WA, on a date yet to be determined. Donations in his name can be made to the Pacific Railroad Preservation Association or the Oregon Rail Heritage Center.