A passionate supporter of railways (and other life interests) - a tribute from Kevin’s friends and colleagues at Network Rail

During the years of working with Kevin one thing that really stood out was his great passion for railways and his other life interests. These included his love of music and trams, both demonstrated by his massive enthusiasm and significant commitments of time. Kevin had a long career on the railway as a Signal Engineer, spanning over 30 years, during which he was a passionate supporter of railways leaving a legacy and making an impact on the engineering, safety and performance of many projects from as far away as Hong Kong.

Kevin worked for Network Rail for the past 15 years and in his most recent team, specialising in level crossing engineering, for the past 8 years. He was very popular and well known at work; not just in Network Rail, but across the industry. Kevin was a valued stalwart of the team, seen as a source of knowledge that people could go to for advice. And many regularly did. Kevin would frequently contribute ideas which, to some, may not have seemed relevant, but often resulted in effective solutions to many of the complex problems.

He was not only a trusted advisor but also one who would probe deeply into issues to seek the best outcome. Occasionally Kevin’s frustration at the ineptness of others to grasp his insights would boil over, but inevitably he would always come out smiling when his acumen would be proved correct. The ‘Bow-Tie’ project was a prime example where ‘storming, norming, forming and delivering’ was played out. Despite some heated discussions some fantastic results were achieved, and some great memories created.

Kevin liked to keep busy at work and be involved in as many things as possible. He was an elected union Health & Safety rep, a Diversity & Inclusion Champion, a first aider and a fire warden, to name a few. Some of Kevin’s colleagues recalled the occasion when Kevin became a Diversity & Inclusion champion and he decided that he had to leave the company’s internal jokes channel, lest something inappropriate came up! - just one example of how much importance Kevin placed on all his responsibilities.

In February 2020 Kevin was a finalist for a Front Line Safety Challenge competition, where he proposed an idea to improve the safety of his front-line colleagues working on track. His entry was an innovative idea that showed his commitment to the safety of others and he was very pleased to have been a finalist.

In meetings, Kevin was always the first to break the ice. Always the first to ask a question, never afraid to challenge and the one who kept managers on their toes! Kevin was always the one to prompt project team members when they needed a booking code for their time, and, not let them forget. The team’s cost recoveries are certain to go downhill from now on!

Kevin was a source of inspiration for young engineers. He was a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Ambassador. He organised and led activities with school students and graduates to encourage and inspire younger generations of engineers.

And, Kevin never stopped developing himself either. In recent years he undertook the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers examinations, passing them and becoming a corporate member. This served as an inspiration to others that such things can be achieved at any stage of one’s career.

Kevin has left some fun memories with his colleagues. One of the team remembers an occasion where he learned from Kevin how to perform a perfectly executed queue jump in the canteen! And those who sat near Kevin in the office remember his fondness for cake. On occasions when Kevin was away from his desk, it would only take some cake to be produced for him to suddenly reappear!

Kevin wasn’t only a valued professional colleague but also an appreciated fellow commuter. Kevin would bring a sense of perspective to matters with lighter moments, especially after a difficult day or when things weren’t quite going to plan. Whether it was late or cancelled trains, or the weather, Kevin had an uncanny ability to create a sense of camaraderie. Kevin seemed to know so many of the train crew that it felt like he was sharing their difficulties rather than being another potentially disgruntled passenger. This is exemplified by his willingness to give up his time to be a ‘Travel Champion’ or ‘customer representative’ for the local train operator in the West Midlands. Kevin was able to bring a unique and valuable point of view to that role as a railway professional and a seasoned commuter and leisure traveller.

Kevin’s influence didn’t stop at his ‘railway family’; Ed recalls how Kevin once accepted a lift from his daughter after a disrupted rail journey ended up somewhere other than the home station. Kevin’s summation of the journey was: “She drives like a postie” – no disrespect to posties. That observation has often been requoted in the household.

Latterly, Kevin didn’t let his diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease stop him. His message to colleagues was that it was ‘business as usual’. The illness may have robbed him of his vocal chords, but Kevin still had a loud voice either with his computer-assisted voice or in text. The team has humorous memories of when Kevin found a loud ‘bong’ sound, as well as the repeat button on his voice assistant, which he used to great effect in meetings to ensure he could still interject and put his points across. Kevin also didn’t let this stop him interviewing graduates and apprentices, again using his voice assistant to great effect and exemplifying his role as a Diversity & Inclusion Champion. Kevin was always the sort of person you don’t forget meeting, and everybody has been so inspired by how committed and positive he remained. Kevin will be fondly remembered by all who met him as well as those of us who travelled and worked with him.

Darren Witts - Principle Engineer (CCS)