Wednesday, January 21, 2009

R.I.P. Craig Hillier

My brother-in-law, Craig, passed away this morning at the much-too-young age of 36. He had been fighting cancer for the past year and half or so, and it was rather shocking how suddenly his health took a turn downward in recent days.

Around October, we were advised he might have a year to live. He seemed to be a little robust, able to chow down pizza at will and in generally good spirits as evidenced by his daily food desires posted on Facebook. He complained of some pain in his leg and it was becoming a bit of a chore for him to walk, but otherwise, seemed to be ready to live life as usual.

Last week, the complications in his leg grew so great that he couldn't walk comfortably, so he was put in a wheelchair so he could get around. We were advised that he was now in a wheelchair on Monday. Test results came in Monday and showed that his ailments had metastasized inside his body and shut down a few organs. His liver was enlarged by 50% and he was no longer eating as of yesterday morning.

Pene and I decided on the spur of the moment to go and visit him (and her sister) after dinner last night. He was able to recognize us, although he was too exhausted to really chat with us.

It's a good thing we went last night so we could see him for the last time. Now our thoughts will be on Pene's sister as it's going to be a tough time for her for the next while - their affairs weren't really in place and they didn't have the necessary insurance coverage or paperwork done on a lot of things, since it's easy to think "oh you've got a lot of years ahead of you to do this or that"... She can't even drive Craig's car since the insurance is in his name and he had to authorize the transfer over while still alive. So it's going to take time to get everything sorted out. I'd have to check but think Pene might be the executor (I know she was for her sister's will), so things are going to be a little nuts for the next while if she's going to deal with Craig's stuff.


6 comments:

Pam Kersting said...

Pepe -- so sorry to hear your sad news. Please send best wishes to Pene!! With deepest sympathy, Scarlett

Starshine said...

So sorry to hear this Pepe, give my best wishes to Pene, and please accept my sympathy for you both..

Swami said...

So sorry, Pene & Pepe. I lost my brother when he was just 49 - and it's hard.

Puffy said...

This is very sad news and it seemed very fast. I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the paperwork and transfer details go easily.

Molaholic said...

{{HUGS}} to the entire LePew family.

~Nutz said...

{{{hugs}}} to all of you. :(