Yesterday, the Lutheran Church of Honolulu (my former parish), posted this on their Facebook page:

Many people were in shock and grieving, even those outside of the LCH family. These are some of the comments as shared on Facebook:

I am shocked and in grief at the sudden passing of pastor and friend Jeff Lilley today as he prepared to lead worship at the Lutheran Church of Honolulu.I invite your prayers for Jean and their family, the congregation, and Jeff’s many friends. As a friend shared: “When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice.” Jeff did just that. Well done, good and faithful servant. (Steve Jensen)

I am very sorry to hear this. Pastor Jeff was one of the best preachers I ever heard. My heart goes to out to Jeannie, their children, and the LCH ohana. Love from Maine. (Zen Kuriyama)

It has been a difficult day. Lots of tears; still lots of tears. A few moments of joy in remembrances of our beloved Pr. Jeff. Processing our grief doesn’t seem to get easier the more we love. Giving thanks for a life well lived. Praying for Jean and the entire family. Praying for our congregation and church leaders. Grateful for those in the wider church family and our community who are surrounding us with love and support. (Cathleen Baptista)

Our dear friend and skipper of so many lives, Pastor Jeff Lilley passed away unexpectedly this morning. Jeff was a man who fought for justice, inspired many with his thought provoking sermons and teaching, loved people with all their flaws, and mentored those who wanted to make a difference in the world. Please keep his amazing family and the Lutheran Church of Honolulu in your prayers. We grieve the loss of a truly great man and leader. (Mary Fastenau)

What an unbelievable loss. It doesn’t seem real. Jeff helped me and so many others grow in ways I didn’t think possible, and gave of himself and his time generously and with great passion. I grieve for Jean and their family, and my beloved LCH community. Praying for you all right now. (Scott Fikse)

My heart is broken. I listened to Pastor Jeff’s sermons each week and came away with a profound renewal in my faith every time. I pray for Pastor’s family and congregation for healing and strength during this difficult time. Love from San Juan Island, Washington. (Carol Capps)

I remember this day well. Pastor Jeff, I cannot thank you enough for being a candid friend, a thoughtful pastor, and an excellent partner in church worship planning and leadership. I will miss you dearly… I will miss writing that new liturgy for LCH with you. I was so looking forward to the collaboration. (Barry Wenger)

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In his sixteen years at the parish, Pastor Jeff touched many lives. I was so surprised that in 2012, he asked me for organ lessons, and I started him on Wayne Leupold’s Discover the Basics. He studied with me for about a year, and we had weekly lessons.

Here’s a picture of some of my organ students at my retirement celebration, and you’ll see him there as part of the group.

For us, Jeff Lilley was a cheerleader, willing to support our endeavors in whatever project we were involved in. Here’s a photo of him wearing a Carl Crosier T-shirt which we had made for Carl’s retirement celebration.

And during our performances of Bach’s Mass in B minor, Pastor Jeff was up in gallery, taking photos throughout.

Here is one of my most recent photos of Jeff, as Chef of the fundraising dinner for the 50th Anniversary of the Beckerath organ.

Dear Jeff, we will miss you!