Railroad Person of the Year 2018

Jerry Chapman

2018 Railroad Person of the Year

Jerry Chapman has been selected the 2018 Railroad Person of the Year.

This award is sponsored by Durand Union Station, Inc. in conjunction with Durand Railroad Days.

Jerry graduated from Durand Area High School in 1971 and is a fourth-generation railroad worker. He retired in 2012 after spending 39 years with Grand Trunk Western/Canadian National working most of that time as an engineer.

After graduation from high school, Jerry attended Northern Michigan University where he studied veterinary medicine. He worked construction during the summer of 1972 and was subsequently hired by the railroad in January of 1973 where he worked as a switchman in the Flint yard. Jerry transferred to the Durand yard in September of 1973 and worked as a fireman until he was promoted to engineer in 1977.

Jerry has been married to his wife, Sherry, for 38 years. They raised their three children, Sarah, Jennifer and Brian; on a 120-acre farm just east of Durand.

Jerry enjoys riding his motorcycle, a Harley Davidson Softail, and also trains race horses. He and his wife enjoy traveling to warmer states with their fifth-wheel.

Please congratulate Jerry as he receives his award on Friday, May 18 at 6 p.m. at the Durand Union Station and wave to him as he passes by in the Railroad Days Parade!

Past Railroad Person of the Year

     2017 Rod Baker
     2016 Neil Randall
     2015 Richard Dean Craven
     2014 Jerry Mowen
     2013 Larry Riddle
     2012 James Vandendries
     2011 Sue Hatherill
     2010 Cliff & Marie Semple
     2009 Don Gray
     2008 Herbert Scrivener
     2007 David Lewis
     2006 Philip Perri
     2005 Robert "Brake Shoe" Brancheau
     2004 Jon Hayes
     2003 Pat Post
     2002 Robert Buck
     2001 William "Mac" McLaughlin
     2000 Ray Russell
     1999 James Mohn
     1998 Forest C. Hines
     1997 Wayne N. Roddy
     1996 J.J. Casady
     1995 Chester "Chet" Liestenfeltz
     1994 Margaret Powell
     1993 John Walworth
     1992 Lloyd Russell
     1991 Ernie Spicer
     1990 Earl Hart
     1989 Sherwood Weichner
     1988 Clare Jewell
     1987 Lloyd Eicher
     1986 Perry Parsall
     1985 Clyde Hayes
     1984 Arthur VanRiper
     1983 Tracy McClure
     1982 Anthony "Tony" Kolman
     1981 Noble Haver
     1980 Ora Goul
     1979 Eddie Crane
     1978 Frederick Tranzrow
     1977 Glenn Willie