Justus David Lillie

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, who left us June 11 2024. Born in Omaha, Nebraska on New Year's Day, 1934 Justus David Lillie would grow into a pillar of kindness, whose sweet nature made an indelible impression on everyone he met. In his youth he played the cornet and developed an early love for fishing and pets, starting with his first dog Happy.

He attended Simpson College in Indianola, IA and received a masters in Social Work from the University of Denver. His life as a social worker led him to state jobs in Durango and Denver and eventually his favorite job as the Director of the Juneau Recovery Unit in Juneau, Alaska. His role helped substance abuse addicts find a path towards recovery and sobriety. It was a path Dave knew well as someone who found recovery at the age of 42 and proudly maintained his sobriety for the next 48 years of his life. And it was Alaska that allowed him to fulfill his love of all things outdoors; fishing, hunting, boating, hiking and exploring the beauty of the Final Frontier.

Alaska is where he would convince the love of his life to move to and create new experiences together from square dancing to ferry rides among the far flung towns of Southeast Alaska. Together, they would travel across the states, Europe, and Africa, plus many winters in Florida but perhaps his favorite recurring visits were the summers he and his spouse spent in Aspen, Colorado volunteering as camp host at the base of the Maroon Bells. Though his happy place remained a basic cabin in Park County, Colorado that he hung onto for more than 4 decades.

In addition to his devoted wife Billie, he is survived by four children and their spouses, Karry (Greg) Jay (Barbara) Samantha (Paul), Robert (Elizabeth), his younger brother Bob (Mary), along with 7 grandchildren, 3 great-children and numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his loving parents Justus and Isabel.

We express gratitude to the staff at Collier Hospice for their care and support during Dave's final days. He brought light to the world with Dad jokes and a gentle soul that breathed compassion to all those around him until his final heartbeat.

Funeral Services will take place Saturday June 29, at 2pm at Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery at 7777 W. 29th Ave, Lakewood, CO 80215 with a celebration of life following the services. Livestream can be found below. (will have funeral home add a link)

In his memory, contributions for the planting of new trees can be made at A Living Tribute www.alivingtribute.org