2009 Railroad Days Person of the Year

Don Gray of Burton has been selected as the 2009 Railroad Person of the Year, in conjunction with Durand Railroad Days, May 15, 16 and 17. The honor is sponsored annually by Durand Union Station Inc.

Don was hired by Grand Trunk Western Railroad on April 3, 1950 in Durand and was later transferred to Flint. During his employment, he worked on the main line as a switchman and as a yard and road conductor. He was employed by the railroad for more than 41 years before retiring in 1990. While with the railroad, Don saw the transition from steam to diesel.

He was the Secretary and Treasurer for the Brotherhood of Railman Trainman (later renamed the United Transportation Union) for over 20 years. He is a long-time volunteer for the Huckleberry Railroad and for the Durand Union Station where he is a board member. He is also a board member of the Michigan Historical Train Museum. Don is active in the Red Cross, the Alzheimer Association, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, the Model A Script Region Club and is a Lt. Commander in the Civil Air Patrol to name a few of his volunteer services.

Don was nominated by his three daughters “who feel he possesses all the right qualities for Railroad Person of the Year.” He has one grandson, one granddaughter and one great granddaughter who are very proud to have their father, grandfather and great-grandfather named Railroad Person of the Year 2009.