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. For this Q fan, it just didn't get much better.

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! Many of you midwestern railfans may 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,
Burlington John
Volunteer Conductor
Fort Madison, Farmington & Western Railroad

That's a real shame. Dave was a gentleman and very helpful whenever we had questions or needed tech assistance. We also used him on several occasions to move various trolley cars, which his crew did in a professional manner.

He will be missed.

Jack