Peter Carl Lillie

July 13, 2013 Dad fell from a ladder, broke 9 ribs and punctured a lung. He dealt with unbelievable complications for 14 months. Until finally, we felt hope when Dad got a tracheotomy. His color was great, he was MUCH more comfortable and we were SO relieved. Then, August 14, 2014 shortly after midnight, Mom called and said, “Something went wrong. Dad died. Make arrangements. Love you, bye.”

Dad had a "larger than life" personality!

My sister and I made flight plans since we had to travel from out of state. My brother lived just 45 minutes away, so he was able to get to Mom FAST. Later that morning, I was talking to Mom, telling her my flight information. When she got another call. I waited a very long time for her to click back to me, and eventually hung up and called my brother. I asked him who she was talking to. He said that she was talking to someone about Dad’s medical history for his donation(s).

No one ever questioned Dad donating his body to help others. When we were all together, we made necessary arrangements. At such an unbelievably difficult time in our lives, we were all SO amazed that Dad could help up to 60 people with he cornea and tissue donations.

Naturally, we reminisced during our mourning.

Here is a quick glimpse of Dad:

Peter Carl Lillie was the eldest of 5 children and was born in Rochester, MN. He and Mom met in college. Dad was a very proud American who served in the US Air Force. His love for family, friends, travelling, nature, and the outdoors were apparent to anyone who knew him. He respected animals and passed that on to his children and grandchildren. His dogs were just like children to him and even got to sleep under the covers next to him!

Dad loved life and had a “larger than life” personality. He was SO intelligent that he was a very successful self-made business man. Dad traveled a lot when he started his own company. His customers looked forward to his visits and he inevitably made numerous life-long friends. Dad always made people laugh. Although he had a “tough-guy” exterior, he would gladly give someone the shirt off his back.

The new normal without Dad is tough. Knowing that he wanted to donate life and help SO many people, brings peace and comfort to each of us. I just pray that many others will follow his lead by becoming a donor of life.