DON STEWART | Phoenix, AZ

Don grew up in Albuquerque, NM and currently lives in Phoenix, AZ. An Engineering graduate of the US Air Force Academy, Don flew F-4 Phantom fighters for the Air Force until he left the military and started working as an Aerospace Engineer for Garrett Turbine Engine Company in Phoenix. He transitioned into proposal management a decade later. After over 33 years with Garrett, Signal, Allied-Signal and Honeywell (company name changes, not job changes) Don retired in late 2013. He holds two patents on jet engine technology. His first visit to the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was in June 1977 where he rode from Chama to Antonito in Rider Boxes with plastic seats. The hook was set. Don joined the Friends in 1996 and has attended work sessions every year since then. He started on the paint crew, worked on the stock pens, rebuilt boxcars and gondolas, chronicled, helped reroof the coaling tipple, and scraped paint inside the Cook Car 053 before settling back into the saddle of the paint crew as the Team Leader. Don currently serves as our Board Chairman. Don is proud to be associated with the FRIENDS as a Board Member.