For those that may not have heard, Steve Jackson, CMO/VP of the D&SNGRR - and last D&RGW employee on the Silverton Branch - has retired after 43 years. After a couple of years of semi-retirement (at least in the summers) Steve is off to the next exciting chapter of his life and has hung up his hard hat for good. The D&SNG and all of his co-workers are excited for him, but will certainly miss him.
For those that don't know Steve, after graduating Ft. Lewis college, he hired out in May 1972 with the Rio Grande as an engine watchman in Durango. He worked various jobs around the railroad for a few years an ultimately became a machinist. He stayed on, moving up the ladder, until the DRGW sold the railroad to Charlie Bradshaw. Not wanting to transfer from Durango, Steve became employee #2 of the D&SNG in March 1981 and for the next 34 years held the position of CMO.
Over the years he has been pivotal in bringing the Silverton Branch from an unwanted stepchild of the Rio Grande with 3 locomotives and a couple dozen cars into one of the premier tourist/steam railroads in the country with 6 steam locomotives and over 50 passenger cars. Steve was also the central figure in the rebuilding of the locomotive fleet and roundhouse after the devastating 1989 fire.
Outside of the D&SNG Steve has been a central figure with the on-going AMSE and NBIC steam committees which have been central in the drafting of rules which most all steam operators adhere to these days.
Anyone that has worked for, or with, him will no doubt attest to the fact the he not only is a great teacher and steam guru, but an awesome person that makes those of us fortunate enough to have worked closely with him better people.
If there is ever a Mt. Rushmore of steam railroaders, Steve would certainly be on it.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/21/2015 07:31PM by Randy.
