Museum in Riverside County and is being prepared for operation.
One day, he noted a large bronze locomotive bell in another local antique store. Noting the bell was stamped S.P. 2720 (later to become SD&A #104) on the inside, Terry began to inquire about its parentage. On threat of turning the shop owner over to the authorities for possession of a stolen artifact, he got a "really good deal" on the bell and promptly donated it to the Museum for eventual re-installation on the #104.
Over the years, our Museum benefited many times from Terry's largesse. In addition to the above items, our ex-Southern Pacific steam locomotive #2353, ex-Union Pacific diesel demonstrator #1366, our big ex-U.S. Gypsum Co. wheel lathe at Campo, and the many original items decorating our La Mesa Depot Museum are just a few. When the chips were down, Terry could be counted on. to open his checkbook and make it happen.
Terry leaves behind his long-time companion, David Ruiz; a brother, Timothy, and an uncle. No services were planned, at Terry's request. He was cremated and his ashes scattered at sea.
Editors note: Terry Durkin participated in every fund raiser the museum cooked up and was especially supportive of the editor of this sheet when a "crunch" project came up. I could always count on Terry for at least $1000 every time we had to have some fast cash. He was never more than a phone call away and fully supported every railroad museum thing I got involved with to the last day of his life.
Even before he was promoted to engineer Terry considered Wally Smith as the best engineer on the Santa Fe. Before Wally passed away he told Terry's friend Dave Ruiz that he thought Terry was the best engineer he had ever worked with but made him promise not to ever tell Terry. The secret was kept until well after Wally passed away. When Terry learned of this he was really happy yet so sad. Even Terry had his heroes.
I was invited for cab rides with Terry on the Santa Fe local freight many times in the old days. I also got to ride a few times in Terry's vintage Rolls Royce "Silver Cloud" classic automobile. We hosted his Rolls Royce club with train rides several times at Campo in the early days of our operation.
Terry was a great business man and operated his own antique store after retiring from the railroad trade a few years ago. He was a recognised expert on railroad antiques. His own priceless Santa Fe standard clock is now the center piece in an exhibit of "Railroad Standard Time" at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.
We will all miss him terribly. May he always have high green ahead on that great railway in the sky.
Douglas Roy "Doug" Mick
February 21, 1940 - September 24, 2003
Doug Mick of Santee, California, a former Museum member, brakeman and conductor on the Miller Creek demonstration train at our Campo Railroad Museum, passed away peacefully from complications of surgery. He was 63.
Doug was born in Ohio and was working for Solar Turbines in San Diego as an electronics engineer at the time of his death. During the 1980's, he was a member of the Museum's steam team, involved with the initial tear-down of our ex-Southern Pacific 4-6-0 steam locomotive #2353. He also provided instruction on steam mechanics to many early team members.
One of Doug's favorite railroads was the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific Railroad. The narrow-gauge railroads of Colorado were also some of his many interests. He was an HO model railroader and a power model airplane builder/flyer. He belonged to the First Weed Wacker Aero Squadron Model Airplane Club in El Cajon.
He leaves behind his wife Gladys, a daughter, a brother and two grandchildren. Private family services were planned. The Museum extends its heartfelt condolences to his widow and family.
In memory of Doug and his love of trains, his family recently donated his large collection of railroad books, magazines and artifacts to the Museum. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, cards or other expressions, members may make memorial donations in his name to the Museum's "Steam Fund" c/o PSRMA, Inc. 4695 Nebo Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941-5259.
Report The "Report" is the official publication of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association Inc. and is the historic record of the progress of the organization and the rail heritage of the southwest. Published quarterly it has been funded this year by the editors Larry & Tanya Rose with donations by Life Member No. One, Herb Kehr and Board Member and former Museum Master Mechanic, Steam, Ken Helm. Unsigned articles are by the editorial staff. Signed articles are the opinion of the writer only. Send articles, comments, brickbats or fan mail to:
Report Editor, PSRM La Mesa Depot
4695 Nebo Drive, La Mesa, CA 91941 e-mail: RailRose@aol.com
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