In Memory of Julius Rhian
Mr. Julius came to LVIM at the very beginning, in 2001. He and his wife Betty were faithful volunteers, always present and always loving. Betty passed away several years ago, but Mr. Julius never stopped showing up.
LVIM was his family.
In May, Mr. Julius turned 93. And, as his vulnerability to the COVID19 virus rose, we encouraged him to stay home, but he did not want to stop volunteering.
And, so he showed up with his kind eyes, willing heart and healing hands.
And we were happy to have him. He loved his work in the Prescription Assistance office, making sure our clients got their medications when they needed them.
In July, Mr. Julius decided it was time to stop. He was getting too tired, he said.
Our staff and volunteers rallied and gave him a drive-by tribute, honking our horns and waving balloons and bearing gifts of hot tea and soup, two of his favorite things. Londa, our Director of Patient Services, kept in touch with him regularly. But, on November 10th, we received a call we dreaded. Mr. Julius had passed away after having taken a fall and broken his hip.
Mr. Julius served LVIM for nearly 20 years. And he is sorely missed.
To honor Mr. Julius, there will be a tribute displayed in the Prescription Assistance Office.
Each year we honor an exceptional volunteer, one whose service goes above and beyond, with the LVIM Volunteer of the Year Award.
From this year forward, this award will be named in Mr. Julius’s honor.
