John Lilly 1943-2005

Last Sunday, June 19th, I had the honor of attending the memorial service for John Lilly at Joan Milke Flores Park, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. John Lilly succumbed to his long battle with cancer, dying in his studio, surrounded by his tools and the work of a lifetime.

For those of you who did not know John, let me introduce you to one of San Pedro's great craftsmen and citizens. John was an artist who became an art fabricator, who, working in metal or whatever medium the job demanded, made possible the visions and dreams of other artists. As an activist, he fought of social justice and the alleviation of suffering in this world. He was a sailor, who built his own boat, and later, as it was at the end of its days, sailed it out to the channel and sunk it to the bottom, rowing away, having given a good friend a proper burial at sea. He inspired dozens of students and other artists, had a special love for cats, and his son Alex, who is carrying on his legacy of uncomprimising social activism and skilled craftsmanship, with his father's tools and knowledge.