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Entry Date
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Nick Name
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Location
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Friday, October 25, 2013
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Iowegian
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Anamosa, IA [email protected]
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Entry 57 of 59 |
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I lost a good friend last week. Darcy Lee Keil on the left side of the photo. He didn't grow pumpkins, but whenever Steve Swinconos, Joe and Obie Wagner or I needed help loading for the weighoff, Darcy was always there. The sportsmen and farmers of eastern Iowa also lost a great friend and advocate. Darcy worked at the railroad repair shop until it closed when he was 30. He then worked his way through college and landed a job with the Iowa Dept. of Agriculture as an environmental specialist. In 20 years he helped countless farmers and protect their soil and enhance forests streams and rivers. He got trout stocked in Jackson Co. streams and brought back endangered clams in Jones Co. He volunteered for several conservation clubs and mentored many children in how to enjoy and protect the outdoors. He worked hard to secure conservation funding and improve government programs and rules for the counties he served. He was the epitome of the perfect public servant. He was tough: it took a combination of 3 deadly diseases to stop him at the young age of 57. At a time when it is popular to criticize government, Darcy showed how a smart, concerned person could work the system to accomplish great things. Every year from now on when I load a pumpkin I will remember how my friend helped secure the lifting straps and direct me in backing under the pumpkin. I hope all the other growers have a Darcy in their lives, too.
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