Railroad Days People of the Year - Cliff & Marie Semple

With nearly 50 years of experience in the railroading industry, Cliff and Marie Semple continue to find ways to contribute to their community. The couple - named Railroad Persons of the Year for 2010 regularly volunteer at the Durand Union Station and will be honored for their generosity on May 14 by Don Gray, last year's recipient, during the annual Railroad Days Festival.

The Railroad Person of the Year honor, sponsored by Durand Union Station, Inc., in conjunction with the May 14-16 Durand Railroad Days Festival, has never been awarded to a duo before. "They have done so many years of volunteer service and simply been very active in donating their time to the Depot," said Jean Fuja, co-chairman of the selection committee. "They're very community-minded and a great couple." The dynamic couple was nominated by their family as well as members of the Depot administration.

Cliff Semple, a seven-year Grand Trunk switchman, was an instrumental part in bringing the Memorial Engine 5632 to the Iron Horse Park as chairman of the Durand Area Jaycees in 1961. Cliff later worked for General Motors' Parts Division before retiring in 1987. "He navigated the whole deal," Fuja said.

Marie Semple worked for Grand Trunk Western Railroad for 25 years, transferring to Flint when the depot was vacated. She worked in various departments before her retirement in May 1991 .The Semples are active members of the Durand Congregational Church and have two sons, a daughter and six grandchildren.

On May 15, the Semples will ride in the Railroad Days Festival parade before an invitation-only reception will take place in the ballroom at the station.

Past Railroad Person of the Year

2009 Don Gray
2008 Herbert Scrivener
2007 David Lewis
2006 Philip Perri
2005 Robert "Brake Shoe" Brancheau
2004 Jon Hayes
2003 Pat Post
2002 Robert Buck
2001 William "Mac" McLaughlin
2000 Ray Russell
1999 James Mohn
1998 Forest C. Hines
1997 Wayne N. Roddy
1996 J.J. Casady
1995 Chester "Chet" Liestenfeltz
1994 Margaret Powell
1993 John Walworth
1992 Lloyd Russell
1991 Ernie Spicer
1990 Earl Hart
1989 Sherwood Weichner
1988 Clare Jewell
1987 Lloyd Eicher
1986 Perry Parsall
1985 Clyde Hayes
1984 Arthur VanRiper
1983 Tracy McClure
1982 Anthony "Tony" Kolman
1981 Noble Haver
1980 Ora Goul
1979 Eddie Crane
1978 Frederick Tranzrow
1977 Glenn Willie