Volunteer Spotlight: Doug K.

Volunteer Doug K. stands at the controls of our 1925 trolley. Photo by Grace Reamer of the Issaquah Spotlight.

This year, in addition to lots of operating and conducting, Doug K. ran our trolley “ground school”—the hours-long classroom training session all aspiring crew members are required to take before they get behind the wheel of the Issaquah Valley Trolley. Known as a jokester in addition to being a trolley aficionado, Doug’s been a key part of our trolley crew since 2016.

Of all the worthy causes you could support—why the trolley?

For me, the trolley brings something unique and special to Issaquah that helps differentiate it from other small towns in the area. It draws people from the surrounding area and even from around the world—it's fun to meet people traveling to see it.

What is your most cherished trolley-related memory, or a meaningful relationship you developed around the trolley?

I've always enjoyed Halloween so I would say the first time we did a Halloween trolley. It's fun to scare people just a little bit.

From the archives: Doug K. poses in costume with a skeleton aboard the Issaquah Valley Trolley.

For how long have trolleys/railcars been a part of your life—including when they were just a dream or idea?

As far back as I can remember. My dad was an engineer—the kind that designed railroad cars, not drove trains. So, trains have always been a part of my life. Some of my earliest memories were of taking trolley rides in Pittsburgh and Maine. And the mechanical workings of a steam locomotive have always been fascinating to me.

What advice, inspiration, or wisdom would you pass along to a new generation of IHM and trolley volunteers?

Have fun with it. Find new stories to tell and don't be afraid to guild the lily a bit—entertaining stories will be remembered long after dates and names fade from memory.

Anything else you would like to say about yourself?

My background is aviation—I've been flying since I was 15—so I try to bring some of the safety mindset to trolley operations. I always assume something will go wrong when operating the trolley and far too frequently I'm right! But, at least I'm ready for it.