David rode the SP4449 from Michigan to Oregon in 2009. Soon after, he began helping manage the Holiday Express. He especially enjoys being part of our community of volunteers and visitors, taking pleasure in making guests happy. He would love to bring back the “gold star” program, rewarding guests and exceptional volunteers with special experiences like riding in the cab of a locomotive during train excursions.

In addition to volunteering during events and excursions, David also enjoyw working on passenger cars. One such project was the NP498 Travelers Rest, owned by the Friends of SP4449, now in operation with Santiam Excursions at the Albany & Eastern Railroad.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, David came to Oregon to attend Reed College. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in physics, he went to work as a software architect and programmer. During 23 years with CH2M Hill, he was involved with financial software on some of the very early micro- computers. Officially retired, David continues to work as a consultant on civil infrastructure asset management systems—data management and maintenance of maps and water resources.

David has a son, Alex, and a daughter, Adrienne, as well as two grandkids. Fourteen-year-old Tristan, who shares his granddad’s love of music, takes fiddle lessons. Griffin, age 12, is an avid reader. David has a woodshop at Adrienne’s house, where he is currently rebuilding the windows for an Albany & Eastern Railroad passenger car.

A self-proclaimed “semi-serious amateur musician,” David is a folk singer and an accomplished guitar player. He is a member of the planning committee for the Portland Folk Music Society and handles set-up and merchandise sales for their winter concert series. David is also part of the production crew for “Sisters Folk Festival Presents,” an organization offering year-round immersive art and music programming opportunities for the young and young at heart. Upcoming events include the Big Ponderoo in Sisters, Oregon, in late June, as well as the Folk Festival itself in late September, featuring 30 musicians from around the world.

Never idle, David recently purchased Southern Pacific 3602, a cocktail lounge and observation car. His company, Small Fortune Rail Car, LLC, employs three individuals who are working together to restore this new baby. Although unsure of what lies ahead, David hopes to complete the restoration in 3-4 years. His purchase of Lavacot Industrial Park in Independence, Oregon, has provided a controlled workspace for David and his company to take on this project and any others coming down the tracks. Ultimately David hopes his restored dome car will run behind the SP4449 out on the mainline. For more information about Small Fortune Railcar, LLC, and to see photos and progress of the SP3602, please visit https://www.entropics.us/home.