Chicago Marine Terminal Bids Farewell to Longtime Operator

After a 35-year career at the Chicago Marine Terminal, William “Bill” Gast has retired. He joined the team in 1990, and Watco later acquired the terminal in 2017.

As an operator, Gast mastered the art of expertly stacking bulk materials, including the mineral magnesite, from barge to storage. Because of his experience, Gast’s teammates could always rely on his knowledge and skill for support. On one occasion when the river closed and barges loaded with bulk material were returning quickly, Gast was the first person they called. 

Gast moved the inbound materials into the warehouse using a front-end payloader. He stacked the material from wall to wall, all the way up to the ceiling. His skillful planning and execution ensured all materials were safely and efficiently stored on site.

Terminal Manager Steven Caudle said, “He was a longtime team member who I never had to follow up on. You never had to check to see if he was working or doing the right thing. He just naturally did it. He’s a steady, strong performer. Congrats on your retirement, Bill.”