By Bill Cash
On June 8, the volunteer train drivers at Leoni Meadows surprised Craig Heinrich in a heartfelt tribute to his 24 years of service as the Leoni camp director.
During a work bee to clear winter debris and assist with the new train barn, nine train drivers and their spouses presented Heinrich with a commemorative plaque naming the train’s station the “Craig Heinrich Train Station.” He was also gifted the traditional engineer coveralls and hat.
Over the years, Heinrich has been instrumental in supporting and preserving the train, notably overseeing the restoration of its 2.5-mile track in 2018 and rescuing the train during the Caldor Fire in 2021 by moving it to safety in the meadow. Though the fire destroyed the train barn and several other camp buildings, Heinrich’s efforts ensured the train’s survival.
Heinrich will be stepping down from his role at Leoni Meadows after this summer’s camping season to take on a new position in the education department as the small school pastor. The plaque will be permanently displayed on the station as a tribute to his legacy.
Featured in Northern Lights, June 12, 2025
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