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RAILROAD PERSON OF THE YEAR
2023

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Mike Amidon 
 

Mike, a second-generation Grand Trunk Railroad employee and 1967 Durand High School
graduate.

Mike grew up south of town with railroad tracks running right behind his back porch on Hillar Street. As a young adult Mike saved a high school student whose leg was run over while trying to hop on a train. He made a tourniquet and kept the man company until medical personnel arrived.

Mike started his career as a billing clerk at the Durand location his senior year of high school. After one year under his belt, he enlisted in the Navy where he served his country for four years. When he returned his position on the railroad was waiting for him.

Mike worked in Durand for many years until that location shut down moving him to Flint, Detroit, and Troy as a billing clerk, commercial motor vehicle payroll employee, and customer service yard clerk. After 42 years working for Grant Trunk Railroad/Canadian National Railroad
Mike retired in 2009. He was dedicated to his job commuting daily from his Bancroft residence.

Mike is an active member of AMVETS Post 2273 where he volunteers for several community events and fundraisers such as the Special Olympics, Poker card dealer, Adopt-A-Highway, Participant in patriot guard, and funeral service honor guard with the AMVETS Riders.

Mike and his wife Mary (Gooding) Amidon still reside in the Durand area where they raised two daughters that were also Durand High School graduates.

 

DURAND UNION STATION, INC. Sponsor of the 2023 RAILROAD PERSON OF THE YEAR award is requesting nominations for this annual award Nominations must be received no later than February 7th, 2023 at 10am, to be considered at the February 7th meeting of the selection committee.
 
Nominations will not be accepted after this deadline. To qualify the individual nominated may presently be working, or must have worked, for a railroad company from our surrounding area. Community and church service will also be a consideration. More than one person may submit a nomination for a specific individual.
 
This year’s nominations, along with nominations from 2022, will be reviewed by the selection committee.
 
The person chosen for the 2023 Railroad Person of the Year award will receive a plaque at an Honoring Ceremony on Friday, May 19th, in the Durand Union Station ballroom. The Honoring Ceremony will be planned by committee members, and all news articles about the person selected as Railroad Person of the Year will also be the responsibility of the committee. The honoree will also ride in the Railroad Days Festival Parade on Saturday, May 20th.
 
Nomination forms may be dropped off in the office at the Depot or mailed to: Durand Union Station P.O. Box 106 Durand, MI 48429

RRPoY 2023
Nomination Form

Thank you for your nomination! The committee decides in February and will announce in March.

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