A Rose by any other name

By Helen Westie
Sun contributor

Kay and Tom Rose are two extraordinary Empire citizens … well, as all know … they are an integral part of the town’s activities. Both Kay and Tom are devoted, indefatigable workers for their favorite organizations: Tom for the Empire Lions Club and Kay for the Leelanau County Democratic Party.
Photo by Mimi Wheeler

Kay is concerned with politics and issues. She writes letters to politicians and newspapers, notably to the Traverse City Record-Eagle and the Leelanau Enterprise on matters that concern her. When asked about her hopes for our nation’s political future, she replied, “I have days when I find it hard to stay positive, with the mess in Iraq still going on, and so many other problems, it seems we never hear any good news. Still, I have faith in mankind, and I think the world will someday work together for the good of the planet. I have high hopes that with a new leader in 2008, the United States will begin to mend relationships at home and abroad, and begin to go forward in a new, positive direction. Peace, love and understanding are my hopes for the future of the world.” In the past Kay has been the Hospitality Chairperson for all Democratic Party meetings. She is now co-Chairperson for all dinner meetings in the area.
In 2004 the Empire Lions Club elected Tom “Lion of the Year”. He is always helpful at Lions events, and the Asparagus Festival Lions Club Dinner and Wine tasting on May 19 was no exception. Empire’s Johnson Park is leased out to the Lions and Tom takes care of the maintenance and grounds. He collects rent from the families and organizations that hold events there. The Lions Club also owns a large barn under Tom’s guidance that has space rented for automobile storage in the winter. The Lions meet regularly and Tom bartends at these events.
Tom and Kay were married in 1958 and will be celebrating their golden anniversary in October, 2008. They have five children, seven grandchildren and two great-grandsons. Kay worked in the credit office of Grants Department Store downstate in Ypsilanti and later drove the school buss for Van Buren Public Schools in Belleville for 21 years. She was active in Michigan Education Association activities and belonged to a running group called the Belleville Striders. With the help of a friend from this group who now works for Northwest Airlines, which sponsors marathons, she was able to travel to Malaysia and Prague.
The Ford Motor Company in Ypsilanti employed Tom for 30 years. Tom’s roots go way back to Empire. His grandfather, Dr. Delbert Rose, practiced medicine in Empire years ago in an office on Front Street. Tom was born in the Frankfort Hospital and lived in Empire until he was three years old.
Tom and Kay purchased a house on Aylsworth Street in the 1960’s from Tom’s aunt who owned it after Dr. Rose and his wife Gail passed on. They came north to Empire for vacations in the summers and winters, and finally moved into an adjacent house.
Kay and Tom’s family is scattered, but they manage to travel downstate to Cincinnati and other parts of the country for visits.