BNSF employee’s family roots run deep with railroad, Kansas

By JEREMIAH VALENTINE
Staff Writer 

For George Wong, railroading is a monumental part of his family's story, a tradition that spans generations. He’s been with BNSF and predecessor Santa Fe for 32 years and today is BNSF’s director of payroll services in Topeka, Kansas.

Wong’s great-grandfather, Carl Goff, began the family’s railroad journey as a welder for Santa Fe, dedicating 40 years to the craft. He worked in our mechanical shop that still stands in Topeka.

Wong’s grandfather, George McGinnis, started his railroad career in 1942 in Emporia, Kansas, but his service was briefly interrupted when he joined the Army Air Corps during World War II.

After the war, he returned to the railroad, eventually retiring in Topeka after 40 years. Wong remembers spending time at the depot in Emporia with his grandpa, learning about the railroad.  

“He was my role model and father figure,” he recalled. “He taught me that working for the railroad was important to our country and the economy, no matter what job you have.”

Wong’s mother, Georgianna Wong, also worked for Santa Fe in the mid-1970s as a clerk. But her most memorable role was in 1963 as a Harvey Girl, part of the iconic hospitality team that served passengers in Santa Fe’s dining facilities.  

“She became a Harvey Girl because of her father’s involvement at Santa Fe when she was growing up,” Wong said. “It’s something she still talks about and is proud of today.” 

Wong joined BNSF predecessor Santa Fe in 1993 shortly after graduating college. He first worked in crew management before taking on other roles.  

“My team’s job is to support the people who keep the railroad moving," he said. "The last thing I want is for someone to be distracted by a paycheck issue."

Wong’s career has been shaped by the values instilled by his grandfather and pride in the work. The legacy continues as his son is currently in college, planning to become the fifth generation to carry the family's railroad torch.