Michael Schumann Retires After Nearly 30 Years Delivering Mail in Durango
For nearly three decades, Michael Schumann has delivered mail to the people and businesses of Durango, striving to keep a positive outlook through every weather shift, durangoherald.com reported. After spending about 26 of his more than 30 total years with the U.S. Postal Service in Durango, Schumann is stepping down as a mail carrier, with his official retirement set for Oct. 30.
I’ve always tried to deliver with a smile, no matter how bad the day is, whether it’s raining, sleeting, snowing – all part of the creed,
Schumann said, according to the Durango Herald. And I like what I do. I think that’s the big difference between people that just do this for a job. I do this to connect with the community.
From Detroit Clerical Work to Colorado Snowboarding
Before his tenure in Durango, Schumann worked as a postal clerk in Detroit. Looking to move west to pursue snowboarding, he applied for post office jobs across the western United States. While he initially hoped for a position in Utah, a visit to southwest Colorado introduced him to Wolf Creek and Purgatory Resort, convincing him that Durango was the right fit.
That choice led to nearly 30 years in what he describes as a tight-knit community. Throughout his career, Schumann viewed himself as a postal liaison to the public. Drawing on his early experience as a postal clerk, he used his knowledge of postal operations to help customers manage delivery logistics and save money.
I consider myself to be the best carrier there ever is, the best carrier there ever was, and the best carrier there ever will be,
Schumann said, as reported by the Durango Herald. I set the bar way up here in the way I take care of my customers.
Community Tributes and Retirement Celebrations Ahead of October 30
Local residents have marked his approaching departure with farewells on his route, with passersby stopping to wave, joke, or express surprise at his retirement. Christina Rinderle, managing broker and owner of Durango Land and Homes, noted his long presence in the area.
He’s been in our lives, in our community, and he’s been a familiar face through all the chapters of all of our lives,
Rinderle said, according to the Durango Herald. So when you look at delivering mail, he’s followed us through marriages, divorces, personal and business moves, always managing to track us down with a smile and sometimes a wink.
Appreciative of his years of service to her mail and business, Rinderle organized a public retirement party for Schumann at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Four Leaves Winery. Though the celebration takes place Friday, Schumann remains on the job until his official retirement date of Oct. 30.
Transitioning to Fly Fishing and Chasing Powder
Following his final day with the U.S. Postal Service, Schumann plans to direct his time toward new pursuits. He intends to take up fly fishing, a hobby he has long wanted to explore, and continue his routine as a powder hound chasing snowstorms across western resorts.
I love my job. It’s been a great career,
Schumann said, as reported by the Durango Herald. Sad, it’s coming to an end, but then I’m off to new things.
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