Wild foods expert, historical reenactor, galactic philosopher and local character Lloyd T. "Time Lloyd" Rich passed away July 16, 2023, in Marion, IL.
Born to Lloyd George Rich and Ilona Helen Szinte of Maquoketa, IA, February 29, 1946 (leap year!). He was 77 years old, or, if one considers that his birthday only truly took place every 4 years, he was an extremely youthful 19, which is an amusing and confusing contradiction and therefore suits him perfectly.
Lloyd is survived by brother Leigh Roger Rich, of Davenport, IA, Roger's wife Janie, and their children Jon, Lisa, and Kayla, as well as the many friends, students, and fellow travelers Lloyd has known across the years. Lloyd hosted the Hitchhiker's Guide-themed Galactic Picnic potlucks at Evergreen Park for many years, left chalk art around town whenever possible, celebrated Talk Like A Pirate Day as if it was a federal and religious holiday, wrote fanfiction with all-caps recipes stuffed in the middle, and wobbled around precariously on his bike wearing a floppy hat, overstuffed backpack, and three layers of clothes years after he probably should have ceased doing so.
Lloyd was always 100% himself, spreading bemusement, exasperation, and joy at his discretion. If you ever had a conversation or Encounter™ with him, he remembered something of it (although probably not your name), and if you ever sent him a Christmas card he kept it forever.
Lloyd loved every small pleasure of living, right up to the last moment of it, and was ravenous for friendship and community to the point of being both overwhelmed and overwhelming at times. He did not easily pick up on social cues and you had to be as direct and persistent as he was to get your point across. Lloyd was one of the weirdest and truest Carbondaliens Southern Illinois has known, and our little ecosystem feels less biodiverse with his passing.
Lloyd was one-of-a-kind, made an impression on everyone he met, and if you would like to share your stories and pay your respects, his memorial will be held at the Newman Catholic Student Center in Carbondale, IL, Saturday, August 5th, 2023. Visitation begins at 9AM with mass at 10, and a reception with refreshments after. Please stop by if only for the snacks; Lloyd certainly would have. Pirates and time travelers welcome, and of course don't forget your towel. RSVP to mageling2@gmail.com, or directly to the Newman Center. (618-529-3311)
They're also accepting donations to help defer the cost of his arrangements which is greatly appreciated as said arrangements are being covered entirely by those close to him. https://donate.siucnewman.org/
Any extra will go to help those facing homelessness, a cause Lloyd was passionate about his whole life.
Please come share your stories and memories, be kind to one another and celebrate our beautiful uniqueness, and as Lloyd would often say, and sing, to a tune we're pretty sure he made up himself, keep smiling.
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