Sept. 18, 2012 — The Lassen Land and Trails Trust (Trust) has named Susanville resident David Sowers a lifetime member of the organization in recognition of his many years of service.

Sowers, who is described as a “venerable fixture” at the Historic Susanville Railroad Depot, is leaving his position as depot manager to pursue other activities.

“Dave has worn so many hats that it’s difficult to describe all that he has done for our organization and the community,” said Phil Nemir, president of the Trust board of directors. “He is so well known and respected for his contributions that many know him as ‘Depot Dave.’”

Sowers worked as a volunteer in the 1980s when the community rallied to preserve and restore the depot. He served as a member and president of the Trust board, and then joined the Trust staff as depot manager. In this last role, Sowers greeted visitors to the depot and the Bizz Johnson National Recreation Trail, hosted the Farmers Market on Saturday mornings and kept the building and grounds nicely maintained.

“During our August meeting, the board of directors unanimously and enthusiastically recognized Dave as a lifetime member. This honor is awarded only by the board to individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the organization,” Nemir said. “Dave epitomizes all that the Trust lifetime membership recognizes.”

Sowers’ connections to the historic depot are deep. His father was the last stationmaster when Southern Pacific Railroad closed the doors. He remembers childhood days spent at the station and enthusiastically worked with the community to preserve this vestige to the railroading activities that helped shape Susanville.