Everett Edward Cilla, DDS.

Ev, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, patriarch of an extended family. We’ve all gathered together in the spirit of celebration, love, and closure to go against your wishes and write your obituary.

You would often say “You just have to have the last word, don’t you?” Well it seems you were correct!

So here are a few of our remembrances:

• I am so grateful to have known you for these many years. You have left me wonderful memories of our life together. I will always feel blessed because of you.

• Your “lively” debate style will be greatly missed by EVERYONE, particularly during the holiday season. However, your love, generosity, and anchoring paternal presence will be missed far more.

• You will be missed like the summer sun…curious cat, proud Italian, University of Michigan grad, family man with the most generous heart and steadfast spirit.

• Our lives are better because you cared. I am truly blessed to have known you.
• I remember my first dance…it was with you. You made me feel loved and special, always there for me when I needed you. I am blessed to have had you as my father and my son’s Papa.  You were loving, kind, and generous to all. Your presence in my life will never be forgotten and will forever be with me.

• You never let reason, age, or borders get in the way of your ideas and current life passions. You did as you pleased, and a lot can be said for that.

• A kind man with all the attributes that word carries. You went on a path to eternity, quietly and with dignity. With all respect, my last goodbye to you.
• You were a wonderful human being, and I loved you as my grandfather and as a fierce friend. You were as passionate about Michigan Athletics as you were about animals and our family. I will never forget you.

• We will always love you, and you will remain in our hearts for all time. Most of all, you will always be my Grandpa.

• I can picture you at the Pearly Gates asking where you will find the Italian Masters. Upon encountering Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, I think you would introduce yourself as “Ev Cilla from the University of Michigan,” then ask where they went to college.
• Your choice to remain grateful and joyous despite challenges with age and health are an inspiration and a lesson that I will always remember.

• You were a beloved father, grandfather, and partner, whose feisty personality served to equally inspire and provoke your entire family, often simultaneously.

• Hard to imagine life without you in it. You’ve been a constant throughout mine. Robust in pretty much everything – that’s how I’ll remember you.

Love you, miss you.

Ev is survived by his life partner, Cindy Dexter, his children, Linda Cilla-Cooper, Jan Cilla-Collier, Katherine (Marc) Morrison, Anthony Cilla, his beloved grandchildren and his family of the heart, Bob Cooper, Brandon (Tanja Maric) Dexter and Todd (Sarah) Dexter.

His family will gather for a private memorial on his birthday next summer at the family cemetery in Pentwater, Michigan to say a final “farewell.”

If moved to do so, contributions may be made in Ev’s memory to the Humane Society of West Michigan, 3077 Wilson Drive, NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534