Trailnet Champion – John Lill

This month we honor all-star volunteer John Lill as our Trailnet Champion. John recently passed away after a long fight with type two diabetes, but we will always remember his dedication to making our rides run smoothly and his ability to put a smile on everyone’s face.

John came to Trailnet after the 2016 Tour de Cure, a nationwide bicycling event benefiting the American Diabetes Association. He both rode and volunteered for TdC before joining our gang of volunteers.

Due to the nature of his diabetes, John suffered from foot pain that eventually prevented him from bicycling. To stay active and involved, he volunteered—proving his adoration and commitment to the active living movement and social scene. John volunteered more and more often during the 2016 season and essentially full-time in 2017.

John was a regular at rides and events. At rides he was known as the beer man because his favorite job was serving beer to riders. He was a big fan of St. Louis Blues hockey and unexpectedly (for a man in his late 50s) heavy metal music.

To staff and volunteers John became known as “the curmudgeon” due to his wry wit and dry sense of humor. He was always great with customers. He was often first to arrive and always last to leave at events. He would help until he was covered with sweat and everything was done.

It’s not too often you come across a caring, generous person like John. We extend our condolences to John’s family and friends and hope his demeanor and charitable efforts continue to inspire those who met him.