Richard “Dick” Proud is known by many in the Buchanan community as a trailblazer — literally and figuratively.

Founder of the McCoy’s Creek Trail Committee in Buchanan, Proud helped forge the trails that have become an important landmark to the residents of Buchanan. He has done everything from create the vision of the four-mile loop of trails that start on the northeast side of Buchanan, to stand in front of a bulldozer to guide the machine foot by foot into clearing the path for the trail. But Proud tells everyone he didn’t do it for recognition, only to expose a beautiful part of wilderness once hidden to the residents of southwest Michigan.

Earlier this month, Proud attended his last meeting for the committee as he officially stepped down as chairman. The volunteer said the moment was bittersweet, and was quick to say that the legacy he leaves behind is all due to his strong team of board members.

“We have worked with a lot of groups, but it is the board that is the key,” Proud said. “I get a lot of credit, more credit than I deserve, because the board was the hardworking back bone.”

But the community isn’t likely to forget Proud’s hard work, vision and passion for the trails that brought the progress to fruition.

Proud said the distance from Buchanan encouraged him to decide it was time to step down. After living in Buchanan for 70 years, Proud and his wife moved to Granger where access to the trails has been difficult, especially with surmounting health issues for the two of them.

But a piece of Proud will always be with the woods.

“My heart is in here,” Proud said on a Wednesday as he looked out over a stream of water bearing his name.

The once “no name” tributary was officially called Proud Creek in 2008 to honor his work.

On this particular morning in late summer, the sun backlights the leaves spreading a glow of green along the clear running Proud Creek. On a morning like this it is easy to see just how special this area is.

“These woods are just absolutely awesome,” he said. “In the fall it’s beautiful and the spring when it is coming alive.”

Few people might actually be aware of the woods in this area without Proud and his committee’s dedication. Even on this morning, he can’t help but clear some stray branches from the path as he walks.

But in addition to helping people experience the woods, Proud wanted to remind people of an important part of Buchanan’s livelihood.

In the 1940s, Eugene Clark, who was president of Clark Equipment Company from 1906 to 1942, donated the woods where the trails run today. The company produced drills, axles and military forklifts, among other products before leaving Buchanan in the 1970s, according to Proud.

The trail committee established several informative plaques to recognize this history. The committee also helped to restore one of the guard post buildings along McCoy’s Creek. Today two mannequins are posed as guards in the restored brick building, forever watching over the Clark Company.

Proud said there are many great memories surrounding the formation of the four-mile trails that loop through the E.B. Clark woods. One is that memory of conducting the bulldozer through the mayhem of trees along a little foot path.

“That was really exciting,” Proud said.

Even in parts where brush was nearly past his head, Proud smiles fondly as he remembered blazing through the growth that stood in his path in a bush hog.

Another momentous occasion was getting to bring his mother to the trails. Proud says his mom was in a wheelchair at the time, but because of the pavement, she was able to enjoy the trail and take in her son’s hard work. Creating a trail that was handicap accessible was a huge motivation for the implementation of the wide asphalt path.

And even though he confesses that fundraising was not his favorite part, he helped facilitate the annual dinner dances that helped raise money.

All this is years of hard work and it is not done yet. Proud said he feels the trails are in good hands and his legacy will continue to grow. Proud said the Friends of McCoy’s Creek Trail will consider continuing to expand.

And even as Proud says goodbye to the committee, the trails will continue to be part of Buchanan residents lives, whether for the annual “trek-or-treat” or for the countless, joggers, walkers or for those who want to escape to a slice of tranquility right in their backyard.