In Memorium: J. E. DeVilbiss

September 27th, 2008 at 09:11pm Mitch Mulhall 171

This afternoon I attended a Memorial Service for long-time Aspen resident, Judge, and City Councilman J.E. DeVilbiss.

Jim Moran moderated the service at Paepcke Auditorium, and speakers included Peggy DeVilbiss, former Colorado Governor Dick Lamm, Ed Mulhall, Helen Klanderud, Jack Johnson, Judge Jim Boyd, Judge Katie Sullivan, Dr. Jack Crandall, Mayor Mick Ireland, Meeker lawyer Frank Cooley, and others.

One speaker noted, "We are not here to Canonize J.E.," a statement of purpose that seemed to resonate with a crowd of friends and family who knew J.E. was no saint. DeVilbiss was described as a "big sack of pluses and minuses," "cranky and caring," and "a loving SOB." This recurring theme was punctuated by Aspen Mayor Mick Ireland who described J.E. as a person who struggled against the forces of life and turned out a truly good person.

It was an afternoon of stories, anecdotes, emotions and laughter. Afterwards at the Elks Club, I ran into J.E.'s daughter Julie, who I hadn't seen since she was in high school.

"Your father was a good friend to me," I said.

"He was to me, too," she replied.

If there is any higher form of praise, I'm at a loss as to what that might be.

Entry Filed under: Aspen, People, Pitkin County