Dear Friends of John Illig and Lolly Otis, I am writing to you on the town e-mail list and Front Porch Forum, because this seemed like the easiest and quickest way to get word out about a terrible event that is shocking to our community.
During the early hours of Sunday, August 3rd, John Illig sustained a fatal injury from a fall in his Lincoln home. Thanks to Lolly's quick action, our amazing first responders from the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Company and the Middlebury Ambulance squad did everything they could, to make it possible for John's organs to be donated to others. In the wake of this tragic event, there is some comfort in knowing that the lives of other loved ones may be saved or enhanced thanks to John's generosity. For those who knew John, he was a lively, caring, and energetic person, and he and Lolly loved each other very much. John worked at Middlebury College as the squash coach, and Lolly is our Assistant Town Clerk in Lincoln.
A celebration of John Illig's life will take place this coming Saturday, August 9, from 1-3 p.m. at Burnham Hall. All are invited. A short service will take place upstairs, and afterwards please join the family downstairs for refreshments and informal sharing of all the good things about John.
Lolly's birthday is coming up on Wednesday, Aug. 13th, and John had been planning a party for her. He was calling it "The Bash". Lolly's birthday wishes are that "The Bash" will go on as scheduled (but maybe a bit scaled down under the circumstances) from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday. She is inviting just close friends, to wade across the river immediately following the service at Burnham Hall. This is only for able-bodied and sturdy individuals. The tram will not be used except for the family. Hopefully the river will be low enough for crossing by foot. The rocks are very slippery, and we recommend that you bring a walking stick or ski pole to steady yourself (please mark it with tape if it is a special stick and you want to be sure to get it back). The event across the river will be a time to continue to share and celebrate John and Lolly's love for each other, perhaps take a little walk in the woods, enjoy a dip in the river, and share each other's company. If you would like a snack or beverage while across the river, please bring your own and pack out anything you bring with you. There will be no food or refreshments provided. At this time, we are still working out details about parking for "The Bash". Look for signs, please carpool, and be VERY careful making your way to and from the river. Toilet facilities will be very limited, so please go before you leave Burnham. If you are not friends of John and Lolly, but you are reading this anyway, please take extra caution while driving through West Lincoln on Saturday. The location of this event is on West River Road, just up from Bill Masterson's vegetable stand. The curve is very hard to see around and we would appreciate it if you could drive slowly through that area and look for pedestrians or cars pulling out.
Finally, Lolly wants to thank each and every one of you for your outpouring offers of concern and support. This community is so wonderful! It will hopefully comfort you to know that Lolly is not alone across the river at this time. She has her big happy dog, Mally, and her family is with her. So much has happened so quickly, that the best way you can help her right now is to give her a little space and time with her family to prepare for Saturday's celebration. If you have thoughts to share, please jot them down on a card, and mail it to: Lolly Otis, 62 Quaker St., Lincoln, VT 05443. Flowers can be sent c/o Mary Apgar, 2549 South Lincoln Road, Lincoln, VT 05443. In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of John may be sent to: City Squash, P.O. Box 619, Fordham Station, Bronx, NY 10458, or donate online at http://citysquash.org. This program enables Bronx youth to fulfill their academic, athletic, and personal potential.
Lolly will really need your continuous support and love, but if you could kindly hold your desire to make that phone call or to stop by for a visit until after her family goes home, it will make the next few days easier. If you would like to help or have questions about John's celebration, please call me, don't call Lolly. If she needs you right away for something, she or I will contact you. My home number is 453-5220 and my cell is (802) 349-3440.
Live your life well and tell your people that you love them, every day.
Warmly, Sally Ober, Town Clerk
Oct 9, 2024, 1 to 2 PM
Oyster Nights at The WayburyOct 9, 2024, 4:30 to 8 PM
Ending of Estate SaleOct 12, 10 AM to 2 PM, Oct 13, 2024