The Late Great Harry C. Jilson

[Steve Machol]

I am deeply saddened to have to report the passing of our long-time friend and Moderator Harry Jilson who passed away yesterday in the comfort of his home surrounded by his family and loved ones.

I don't know how many of you have met Harry or even know him. To me, Harry was a great personal friend as well as a friend to OptiBoard and the entire Optical community. Harry was one of those rare individuals that had the ability to make friends with almost anyone, regardless of their politics or anything else. He was relentlessly upbeat and positive even in the face of great adversity. Once you met Harry in person you simply couldn't not like him.

I am really too heart-broken right now to say anything else, so please take a moment to read the blog Harry's family put together over the last couple of months of his life:

http://harryjilson.blogspot.com/

Rest in peace my friend!

[Joann Raytar]

I started out this week crying after hearing about Harry.

Steve said it. Harry was a friend and a great man. You couldn't help but like him. I am so glad I knew him through OptiBoard and got to meet him at Vision Expo.

Harry, I miss our AM coffee time so much. Through the past few years, some of you know I have gone through a couple of personal loses myself. Harry always knew just when to send an email or a message on OptiBoard and he brightened my day. I know exactly what he would say right now. He would jokingly ask if it was The Great Frisbee debate I was upset about.

So Harry, it is official. I concede. The Frisbee was invented in the 19th century. In honor of you, and because you gave so much to all of us and everyone you knew I promise to pay it forward 19 times. (the century you insist the Frisbee was created in)

[Steve Machol]

Here is the very moving and eloquent eulogy of Harry Jilson from his daughter Thorie:

The final farewell……. Papa's Eulogy.