By Graham Sturgeon, staff writer
Blackmore Rowe Insurance of Byron is announcing the retirement of Cindy Blackburn, after 43 years of service.
She started working at the Byron insurance office in March 1972. At that time, the office was called the Meier-Duncanson Agency, owned by Lamont Meier and Jim Duncanson. The office name later changed to the Duncanson Agency; then Blackmore Rowe/Duncanson Agency for a number of years; and since 2000, Blackmore-Rowe Insurance.
Cindy worked with her mom, Ruth Williamson, from 1972 until 1993, when her mother retired from the same office.
For the majority of the 43 years Cindy worked at the Byron office, with the exception of four years, from 1996 through 2000, when she worked at Blackmore Rowe Insurance of Durand. She says she has sat in about four different office chairs and five different desks. Her duties over the years have been customer service, claims service and accounting for the three Blackmore Rowe offices in Byron, Durand and Flint Township.
Cindy has had a number of co-workers over those 43 years. She says she will miss the staff at Blackmore Rowe, and the many loyal customers from over the years.
“Our office will not be the same, and Cindy will be missed dearly,” said Byron Office Manager and 23-year co-worker Beverly Miller. “It has been a pleasure to work with her for all these years. We wish her much happiness and a joyous retirement.”
“It is a true testament to Cindy’s character and her commitment to Blackmore Rowe Insurance, the Byron community and the many customers she has served over her 43-year career,” Blackmore Rowe Vice President Jamie Youngston said. “Cindy will be greatly missed by all. We wish Cindy a long and happy retirement and thank her for all that she has done.”
Cindy’s last day at the office will be Thursday, July 2. The public is welcome to stop by the office for refreshments and to wish her well. “If you wish to mail a card,” it was noted, “please mail it to: P.O. Box 126, Byron, MI 48418.”
