Page 29 - ASME JRC 2018 Program

In Memoriam In Memoriam

Kevin Kesler, Chief of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Rolling Stock Research Division, passed away
unexpectedly on December 1, 2017. Kevin was a cherished member of the FRA family, a stalwart leader, and a
good friend to many who knew him.

He spent over half his life sharing his technical expertise and giving back to the industry he loved. Prior to his
arrival at FRA in March 2009, Kevin was Vice President of the Applied Technology and Engineering division at
Ensco, his employer since 1975. During his tenure at FRA, he was an invaluable asset to the agency and was a
strong partner for many stakeholders within and outside the Department of Transportation, including the
ASME Rail Transportation Division and the Joint Rail Conference.

Kevin was truly a force to be reckoned with. He was extremely smart and outspoken, and yet at his core he
was humble and caring. He was never satisfied with the status quo and always tried to improve things for the
better. He was enormously loyal to his staff and friends – offering support, a little advice, or a shoulder to lean
on – all at just the right times.

We will truly miss Kevin – his expertise, his leadership, his character, and most of all,
his friendship.

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