Dave Miner, president of the Miner Manufacturing Company near
Donnelson Iowa and president / founder of the Fort Madison,
Farmington & Western tourist line passed away this past Saturday at
his home near Donnelson after a yearlong battle with cancer. He
leaves behind his loving wife Carol, three children and a legion of
friends.
It will be noted that Dave's inspiration was the driving force behind
the creation of the "Minerville Country Village" as well as being the
manufacturer of calliopes, Model T popcorn trucks and the restoration
of vintage rail equipment, including several CB&Q pieces. The FMF&W
was laid on the abandoned right of way of a former Q branch.
I was privileged, no, honored, to be a part of the FMF&W team
through my good friend, the late Wayne Beever (retired CB&Q agent).
When I first `marked up' on the FMF&W in 2003, I was able to serve as
a brakeman and later conductor on the train that featured an
authentic wooden Q waycar.
Given Dave's illness, the FMF&W didn't operate as usual last fall.
A `last run' was held this spring before the auction that saw the
dispersal of the FMF&W collection, as well as items from Miner
Manufacturing. At the time, I commented to Doug Beckman,
FMF&W `general manager' that we shouldn't `cry because it is over,
but rejoice because it happened.' As general manager, Doug did such
a good job of coordinating our merry band of volunteers that Dave
often said that he was going to double our salary of nothing!
Listers will remember visiting Minerville, riding the waycar and
restored Q doodlebug 507.
Memorial services for Dave were held today in Keokuk, Iowa. At the
age of 47, Dave was taken from us far too early.
I know that Dave has marked up on the celestial Zephyr extra board;
he will be deeply missed by those of us who were fortunate to spend a
little time with him in this life.
Respectfully,
John Lewis
Palmyra, Missouri
Volunteer Conductor
Fort Madison, Farmington & Western Railroad
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