DEARBORN, Mich. — Emery J. Gulash, 88, a prolific railroad photographer whose work lives on in dozens of books and video programs, died Friday, February 24. A Lansing, Mich., native who went on to a career with in drafting and management in the Detroit area with General Motors’ Fisher Body Division, Gulash was an early 35mm color-slide photographer, dating from his Army training days in Texas; he served in the Army Air Corps 1944-1946. From the 1950s through the 1980s, Gulash traveled widely, shooting slides as well as 16mm color movies. Several years ago, as his health began to fail, he summoned publisher Bob Yanosey of Morning Sun Books to Michigan to turn over his slide collection, “so it has a good home,” and Gulash’s photos grace dozens of Morning Sun publications. Earlier, Gulash’s movies formed the basis for numerous video programs issued by John Koch’s Green Frog Productions. Gulash, a longtime member of the Michigan Railroad Club, was also a model railroader, with an extensive O-gauge collection and a membership in the Detroit Model Railroad Club, and years ago was a hobby-shop owner, Star Hobbies of Dearborn. Two of his 1960’s “protégés,” Dave Ingles (Trains) and Jim Hediger (Model Railroader), went on to careers at Kalmbach Publishing Co. In the 1960’s, whether on Grand Trunk Western steam excursions or just out trackside on the Wabash, DT&I, NYC, C&O, South Shore, or other Midwestern roads, the “junior crowd” called their mentor “the great film-burner.” Trains Edtior Jim Wrinn also remembers a latter-day encounter with Emery, on the Loops above Old Fort, N.C., on the Norfolk Southern in the blazing autumn colors of October 1984, when Gulash shared his vehicle, and his beverage cooler, with the “hometown kid.” Bob Yanosey notes that Emery, who was in a nursing facility the past few months, died almost two years to the day after the death of his wife, Sigrid, and only 12 days after his 88th birthday. They are survived by their son, Chuck, and two grandchildren; Emery is also survived by two sisters. Said Yanosey, “Emery was a most generous man, and [turning over his slides to me] was his way to share his rail experiences with others. We shipped him a copy of each and every book, and even in his advanced stage of illness, his son told me that he would carefully pore through the newest book looking for his name. Once found, he would linger for a long time looking at happier times from many years ago.” The family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Querfeld Funeral Home on Oakwood Blvd. in Dearborn.
The Rio Grande Odyessy was my favorite. Emery's work is excellent, and will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family!! Another heavy loss to the railfan and model RR community..
I've watched so much of Emory's film and seen so many of his photos that I feel like I knew him. What sad news to read this morning. The railfan community has lost a real hero. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Wish I could have seen half the railroading he seen through his eyes. My prayers go out to his family.
A sad day indeed. He was one of the best. I love all of his films. My condolences to his family and close friends, and to the rest of us who felt we knew him like a friend, but never met.
The Green Frog two DVD set, "Santa Fe Oddessy" is my favorite with a lot of great scenes in IL. His photography was excelent, truely a master at his craft.
It is sad to hear that he has past away, his capture of the history of US RR's was amazing. St Louis Sojourn is by far my favourite video.
Sorry to hear about this passing. My condolences go out to his family. My favorite is Chicago Oydessey 4 DVD Set great footage and great photos in alot of the CB&Q books.
Great Man! The man is gone but his film footage will live on forever. All his efforts well appreciated.
