
RAILROAD PERSON OF THE YEAR
2023

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.