Just thinking about John today.  One of the great things was he would not want people to say he was perfect. He absolutely was not and would tell anyone pretty quickly. 100s of plumbers worked for John over the years (maybe 1000?) and almost all believed he was a better friend after the fact then boss during employment. I spoke with him about that a few times. He saw work as a way to provide a service for a reasonable price. He was happy to be a friend post employment.  John never one time “ripped off” a customer. At times,  John had regrets about the way he treated his employees. And in truth he should. Again, not perfect. Karen knows. We all know. I hope John finds a peace that although attempted at, was never quite achieved. I also give condolences to the Dillie family over the death of Jeff Kolen. Jeff and John were like oil and water on some days, lettuce and tomato on others. Talented, talented plumbers. Same age, 71. Probably arguing and having a cigar right now!! I hope. Love you uncle John. Also Rest In Peace Jeff. A great, great man. John told me that. He loved Jeff. ——Robert. 

I remember the first time I met John. I was looking for plumbing work what has to be a good 25 years ago and met him late on a hot Friday afternoon.  John liked to get a little head start on happy hour and had a good laugh that I was a plumber who’s last name was “Tinkle.”  He hired me, and on Monday I came to work and he asked me what we had negotiated as my salary. He hadn’t remembered much of the meeting. I had a rough childhood and many ups and downs in life but I enjoyed my time with John over the years I was at B and D. I am saddened by his passing. It is strange for me to not think of him being able to barrel through a door today, cigar firmly planted in mouth, a dog (Utah at the time) trailing behind.  One thing about John was you always knew where you stood. His ex wife Karen who also worked with us told me that early on. He won’t hold things over you or play games, she said. You will know what he thinks. When issues are over, they are over. When the day is over, it’s over. And Karen was correct. And things with him were not personal. Even if you had an issue, or disagreement, it was never personal.  I hope John may Rest In Peace. — Wayne Douglass Tinkle, Davenport Iowa. 

Uncle Jon was so influential to me. A man of generosity and love has inspired and meant so much to me growing up. I worked for him for a couple of years. During that time , I learned a bunch of things. Self-accountability, how to take criticism, drive, desirability to work, the importance of customer satisfaction, generosity, teamwork are some of those. In life his love, kindness, generosity, and selfless traits were something to truly appreciate. 

I will miss him... 

A little story.
I had to go replace an electric  water heater In a 4-plex under the stairs. I started and couldn’t find the breaker box. I was not going to disappoint Uncle Jon (18 or 19 years old). I decided I was going to do it hot.

I pulled the wires carefully thru the conduit hole. They arced and all the lights went out in the entry stairs area. Breaker blown now, I successfully replaced the water heater with flashlights. 

I get back to the shop at the end of the day. Jon already had a few down. I walked in and he just bursts out laughing . I said, “I got it done.” Still laughing, he says “go to the bathroom and look in the mirror.” 

I do so. My shoulder length hair is sticking straight up in the air and my face was black! 

I never tried it live again...

I met John Dillie on a Saturday morning in 1975 in the kitchen of his Boulder home. I was sitting for an interview for a plumbing position with B&D Plumbing.  John hired me on the spot to start work in two weeks’ time after appropriate notice to my prior/current employer at the time. 
I still remember John's grace when I called him the morning I was to start work at B&D and sheepishly declined the position; explaining out of a sense of obligation and commitment to the company I had apprenticed with, starting out when I was only 15. I knew John needed the help and I knew I disappointed him in backing out of the employment offer. I will never forget the conversation of that morning and the inspiration John gave me, even in his disappointment of my last minute and inexcusable declining of his job offer I had committed to.  Ironically that same circumstance had happened to me in recruiting so many dozens of times in the next 45 years; I relived the experience often.  I hope I was at least as marginally understanding and inspirational in my conveying disappointments as John Dillie was gracious to me.
It was John's Dillies grace and inspiration that prompted me to leave the only job I ever had, to start my own business.
Over the years in the infrequent contact, John was always the consummate gentleman and even more inspirational and warm in character and spirit in what I came to understand and admire in a very good man.
Rest in peace John Dillie.
John Mai


An amazing man, an incredible neighbor and a true mentor to my three sons. Never has there been a kinder spirit. 
Thank You John Dillie.
Your memory will carry on through the kindness and wisdom you taught us all.
Rest in peace Sir.

John gave me my start as a plumber in Jan 1979. I earned my Master Plumber License, managed his business, babysat his kids when he was out of town, started my own business and he continued to be my friend even now as a State Boiler Inspector.
John was a great guy and a good man and will be missed.
Oh, there are a lot of guys that also got their start under his mentoring.
Thank you, John....

John was always very kind to me. He once sold me a plumbing truck for a dollar, when I was building my house, and I used it for about four years.
Whenever we got together it was always nice to talk to him. He always had a smile. He had a great sense of humor and he will be missed. Rest In Peace John!!!

OBITUARIO

John Dillie

21 diciembre, 1948 – 8 junio, 2020

Crist Mortuary & Cremation and Mountain View Memorial Park

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