Robert Edward Lilly
September 25, 1928 - August 15, 2021
Longtime Alaska resident Robert Edward Lilly, "Bob," 92, passed away peacefully on Aug. 15, 2021, at home. A graveside service will be held at Pioneer Cemetery on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, at 4 p.m.
Mr. Lilly was born in Raleigh, N.C., to John Stanley and Alma Lilly. He attended Broughton High and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical College of Aviation. He married Cara Lue Fulk on June 8, 1957. Prior to marriage, he lived briefly in Miami. He and his family came to Alaska in fall 1959, first arriving in Fairbanks, then moving to Anchorage and later spending his golden years in Big Lake, Alaska. He resided in Alaska for 62 years. He worked for Southern Pacific Railroad, Piedmont Aviation, Alaska Airlines, Northern Consolidated Airlines, where he received the distinguished honor: FAA Aviation Safety Award. He worked for Wein Consolidated and Wein Air Alaska, 1960-1976. He retired from Alyeska Pipeline Service, 1976-1992. Mr. Lilly served his country. Army Air Corp, Air Force Reserve and in the Korean Conflict. He was a lifelong member of the NRA. He enjoyed flying, hunting, fishing, family, animals, an avid reader of many books, treasure hunting with his metal detector, British motorcycles and 3/4 Midget car racing. His family wrote: "Our father taught us a great appreciation for the beauty of nature and animals, never to be abused and only take what was needed. He was always fair and just, a man of great integrity." He was an extraordinary pilot but an even better aircraft mechanic and enjoyed rebuilding aircraft to perfection. His sons fondly remember his ability to fix and repair and find a solution to any mechanical problem. "He was the best husband and provider and father a woman could ever have had," said his loving wife. He was the most beautiful and accepting "Grandpa" to many near and far.
He is survived by his wife, Cara Lue Lilly; daughter, Barbara L. Brown (Paul Kahahua); two sons, John Ellis Lilly (Cynthia Yvonne/wife), David Edward Lilly (Linda Sue); grandchildren, David Bradley Lilly and Flora Jewel Lilly; and numerous cousins, friends and loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, William Lilly; sister, Jane Allman; and beloved grandson, Robert Walter Lilly.
The family asks that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Alaska State Troopers Foundation, 453 South Valley Way, Palmer, AK 99645, 907-279-5050; and/or to Disabled Veterans of America. Arrangements have been entrusted to Legacy Funeral Home, Wasilla Heritage Chapel.
Published by Legacy Funeral Home, Wasilla Heritage Chapel in Wasilla, AK on August 16, 2021
Published in Anchorage Daily News on August 20, 2021
Bill Howitt
Quiet competence are the words that immediately come to mind when i think of Bob. That guy could fix about anything mechanical. I knew him from the early days at Pump Station 1 where he was a huge help in keeping the place running while we were kinda shaking down the system. Lost track of him but from the Obit it sure seems like he lived a long and fruitful life. Rest in peace Bob. You did well.
Judy Miller
It was so interesting to read about Robert Lily and left me wondering. I suspect my husband had known hm too. Robert worked for Wein and Northern Consolidated, as did my deceased husband, Gerald (Jerry) E. Miller. Jerry was lead mechanic for Wein. He was the guy who got sent out all over Alaska to recover troubled aircraft and worked mostly out of the Fairbanks base until Nothern Consolidated moved that to Anchorage. Bill Howat's memories with Robert included startup and pump 1. Jerry had worked construction and then was hired by Alyeska to become Master Mechanic of the Southern District of the Pipeline. Jerry became ill with Leukenia just prior to first oil flow, and never did get to do that job. He was always very modest about his accompishments. I joined Alyeska Pipeline People to post his obituary but I was grief stricken for so long I had been unable to. It's wonderful to read about the pipeline "founders". Thanks Larry for making this possible. Rest in Peace Robert.