Wholistic Fitness

Looking into death needn’t be frightening or morbid. Why not reflect on death when you are really inspired, relaxed, and comfortable, lying in bed, or on vacation, or listening to music that particularly delights you? Why not reflect on it when you are happy, in good health, confident, and full of well-being? Don’t you notice that there are particular moments when you are naturally inspired to introspection? Work with them gently, for these are the moments when you can go through a powerful experience, and your whole worldview can change quickly. These are the moments when former beliefs crumble on their own, and you can find yourself being transformed.

– Sogyal Rinpoche

Henry George Ilg
Henry George Ilg, a former resident of Durango died suddenly on May 23, 2011. He experienced a massive heart failure at his home in Rio Rancho, New Mexico and died that night surrounded by his family and wife of 57 years in an Albuquerque hospital.  He was 78.

Henry – known as ‘Puggy’ to close friends – was born to Hermine and Henry Jonathan Ilg on March 1, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois.

While assisting in the family business of the 3-generation “Ilg Florist” in Winnetka, Illinois, Henry graduated from New Trier High School and later studied horticulture at Iowa State University.

In 1954, Henry married the love of his life, Marjorie Catherine Neuman and thus began his pursuit of the three main passions of his life; family, fishing, and football….and not necessarily in that order.  After running the family floral business for several years, Henry sprang into his primary dream;  to move his family ‘out west’ to Durango, Colorado where many vacations had been focused throughout prior years.

Long time Durangoans may fondly recall Henry’s charming demeanor and expertise at Kroeger’s outdoor garden shop – which was at the time, the only outdoor nursery and sure sign that spring had arrived in Durango.

In support of his then college-aged daughter, Henry moved his family to Boulder, Colorado in 1980, and later to Pagosa Springs.  In 1992, Henry and Marjorie made what would be their final move together to the then rural town of Rio Rancho, New Mexico where – for the next 19 years – he steadfastly did what he loved most; “…standing on my own two feet, and sending people home with flowers in their hands and smiles upon their hearts.”  With an instantly endearing personality and a great charge of humor, Henry touched the lives of many humans while leaving the lives of many fish quite healthy – the latter much to his chagrin.

His loyalty as husband, father, friend, and worker seems unsurpassable by today’s conventions.

He was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister.

Henry is survived by his wife, Marjorie of Rio Rancho, NM; his daughter, Connie of Los Angeles, CA; his two sons, Steve of Durango, CO and Craig of Los Ranchos, NM; his grandchildren, Dewachen, Alazar, and Eleanor; his nephews Carlos and Glen Glender.
A private family viewing has held in New Mexico and a spreading of Henry’s ashes among his beloved San Juans with a small ceremony will occur later in the summer after the high snows melt.

photo by puggy by steve ilg, Flagstaff, Arizona in the spring of 2008.