By Railfan & Railroad Staff
SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dr. Denny Anspach, a “founding father” of the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento, died on Sept. 20, following a long battle with cancer. He was 86 years old.
Anspach was a member of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation and played a key role in establishing the museum that opened in 1981. A lifelong railroad enthusiast and a native of Chicago, Anspach went to Stanford University’s medical school before relocating to Sacramento. In 1970, he hosted a dinner for then-Gov. Ronald Reagan aboard a private car to win his support for a museum. Reagan would later turn the first shovelful of dirt to start construction of the museum.
Anspach was also the primary author of “California State Railroad Museum: Recommendations for Planning & Development” that was published in 1972 and served as the master plan for the museum. He was also the master of ceremonies for the grand opening of the museum in 1981.
“There is no question that we would not have the California State Railroad Museum without Dr. Denny Anspach, he was truly the ‘Founding Father,” said Cheryl Marcell, President and CEO of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. “He was my guide, my historian, and my counselor in all things as I stepped into the role of President and CEO of the Foundation. I cherished our long breakfast meetings at The Sutter Club, our travels throughout the country and enjoyed listening and learning. He would often say that we shouldn’t get bogged down by policies and procedures and if it was the right thing to do, we should just do it!”
In 2014, the Railway & Locomotive Historical Society presented Anspach with the prestigious Gerald M. Best Senior Achievement Award, named for the famed railroad historian. Up until his death, Dr. Anspach remained active on the Board of Directors of the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, an organization he helped to create, and served on its executive committee.
At the request of the family and in lieu of flowers, any remembrance donations should be made to the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. Memorial donations may be made here.
