Railroad Person of the Year 2019
Richard Crandall
2019 Railroad Person of the Year
Richard “Dick” Crandall has been selected the 2019 Railroad Person of the Year. This award is sponsored by Durand Union Station, Inc. in conjunction with Durand Railroad Days.
Richard graduated from Birch Run High School in 1969 and started working for the railroad immediately after graduation. He worked for Grand Trunk Western/Canadian National as a First Class Carpenter, Assistant Foreman and Foreman for the Bridges & Building Division. He worked out of several locations including Durand, Pontiac, and Detroit. After 41 years of service, he retired from the railroad in 2010.
Richard is a second-generation Grand Trunk Western/Canadian National railroad worker; both his father and his brother each served thirty years with the same company. The family has over 100 years of a combined service-a true railroad family.
Richard also served for 32 years as a fireman with the Montrose Township Fire Department where he was a first responder and sergeant driver. In addition, he was a First Response volunteer for various Montrose sporting events and played Santa for the fire department. He was a charter member of the Montrose Eagles who bestowed him with the Outstanding Citizen Award. Other awards include Citizen of the Month from the City of Montrose and Fireman of the Year twice.
Richard has been married to his wife, Trudy, for 44 years and, have lived in Montrose their entire married lives. They have two daughters, Tiffany Hassett, and Stacey Lee as well as three grandchildren, Kannon Hassett, Nicholas Lee, and Madison Lee.
Richard enjoys fishing, hunting, camping and spending time with friends at the Montrose Depot known fondly as the “Liar’s Club”.
Please congratulate Richard as he receives his award on Friday, May 17 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
2018 Jerry Chapman
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
