The chiropractic profession in Michigan has lost a great warrior, leader, teacher and friend. On January 19, 2005, Dr. Dennis "Skip" Semlow passed away from natural causes while doing what he did so well: serving his profession.
I first met Dr. Semlow as a new doctor, fresh out of chiropractic college in 1981. I was invited to attend a board meeting of the Michigan Chiropractic Council (as the MCA was known in the early days); then-president Dr. Semlow was running the meeting. The room was full of passionate, driven chiropractors who all wanted their opinions heard on every subject. I remember being impressed with the way Dr. Skip reigned in all those powerful personalities, in order to get the meeting agenda accomplished, without causing anyone to feel like they had been slighted or overlooked.
In his pursuit of fun, Dr. Semlow liked to surround himself with fellow chiropractors. For countless years, Skip and his wife, Pam, hosted the annual Michigan "Lyceum" for chiropractors at the Semlow compound in Freemont. A big tent would be set up in the yard as everyone ate, played and revived their chiropractic "spiz." Laughter from all the children would fill the air as they splashed in the pool, warmed up in the hot tub and raced around the yard while the adults told chiropractic war stories. Local politicians, who were running for office, would show up at this big event to garner support for their campaigns and court the vote of the chiropractic profession.
If you only knew Skip professionally, it is probably hard to picture this dapper, professional gentleman crashing through the trees, covered with mud and dirt, on the back of a high-powered dirt bike. I had the pleasure of riding for many years with Skip in the notorious chiropractic group known as "The International Society of Goat Ropers and Tool Swappers." Don't ask me where the name came from - the group was started way before my time - it was simply a group of Michigan chiropractors that got together twice a year and rode dirt bikes in the backwoods of upper Michigan. Skip was a great rider and he would be smiling from ear to ear as he wheeled his noisy machine through the mud, sand, trees and brush. He had a decal on his gas tank that exemplified his attitude toward life - it simply read, "When in doubt - GAS IT!"
If you spent any time with Dr. Semlow, you undoubtedly have many warm and moving stories to tell. Dr. Skip left an indelible impression on everyone that he came in contact with. He presence will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. Every chiropractor in Michigan owes much to his tireless efforts and his commitment to the profession. He has set a standard of excellence that we would all do well to follow.
Kerry Kilpatrick, DC
Grand Rapids, Michigan