We were so saddened to learn of Lolo’s passing. I’m sure you could fill every edition until summer with condolences and memories from those who were lucky enough to know him. Lolo and his friend Tony are featured in a chapter in my book, Flourish: People with Disabilities Living Life with Passion. It came out in 2012. Since then, we have stopped in to visit Lolo (and Tony when we can find him) every time we’ve returned to Avalon. We exchanged postcards in between. Lolo was, as everyone experienced, always so welcoming. He treated our son Jim, who has a disability, with such warmth and respect. We will always treasure the time we got to spend together.
That’s me and Lolo on one of our last visits a couple of years ago; at the end is me with Lolo “back before I got old!” he said. His barbershop was a photographer’s dream.
We’re happy that our little granddaughter was able to meet him and dig her hand into his famous candy jar. Our best wishes and sympathy to the Saldana family. He was a gem. Catalina will not be the same. We hope he’s somewhere right now enjoying a really outstanding golf game with Lidia looking on with a smile.
Sincerely,
Karin Melberg Schwier, Richard Schwier, and Jim Schwier
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Editors note: To read more about Karin Schwier, her books and her friendship with Lolo, visit her blog at karinschwier.wordpress.com and find the blog post, “And we miss him,” posted on March 26.
