Lola's Plans

[Site Man]

OLD FORUM POSTS

Posted by BOB on March 20, 2003

Does any one know what Lola's plans are?
How's she holding up?
Does she plan to re-open the store?
I had heard Rick's family wanted to close it, and auction the contents. Bob

Mike Jackson

Hello Bob,
I am sure a few people know more than I do, but when we left LA, they were still attempting to open Rick's safe in hopes of finding a valid California will. If one is found, then all should be fine, however if he never produced one, the assets must go through probate to settle his estate. The family let Lola get her personal items out of the shop and there are some glass collectors trying to get their glass. It might take a while to finish the whole deal.

Without the will, Rick's family would have rights to everything and can divide it however they wish. Hopefully, even without a will, the family will be sensitive to Lola's needs and Rick's request to send some of his assets to the American Sign Museum.

Lola had a hard week and she showed signs of the stress, then at times she also showed her lion type heart and strength. In one conversation I had with her, she is resolved with the possibility the shop might not ever open again. As things get more quiet and people go home, she will probably need letters and phone calls of support.

Mike Jackson

Raymond Chapman

I received a note from Kent and he said that the family was deeply moved by our presence there and that they may be loosening somewhat, although the plan is still to go through probate. The way it looks now is that the business is closed, at least for the near future.

Kent Smith

Due to the blizzard in Denver, we are still in LA and have spent much of the time with Lola and the Glawson brothers. Because a will has not been found, the estate will go to probate. Lola has not run the store for the last year due to health and could not continue. After all of our presence and edification, the family now for the first time understands the two businesses better and have a clearer picture of Lola's role in both. Since thefamily has been estranged for many years, they had no idea what Rick had been doing nor how important he was to collectors as a restorer, to all of us for supplies and advice, and as a researcher and alchemist. They are now very sensitive to those issues and have vowed to do what is right to preserve his efforts and memory. Because there still is no will, the authority of the probate court is in control of everything. They have allowed Lola's personal items to be removed as well as those signs and articles which have been left by customers for repair and other work. The brothers are hoping that the court will allow them to set a value for Esoteric and sell that business as one block to someone who will continue it and hopefully involve Lola in some way with that continuation. They are also being sure to cover Lola's vested interests in the business. Paul was one of Sister Grey's boys as well so he is quite interested in helping her to still fill her role with Esoteric to the degree that she wishes. I cannot speak for any of them, I can only report what I have observed. For the time being, both Fine Gold and Esoteric remain closed until the court can sort things out. That process started yesterday and they expect it to take 30 days to get any kind of answers from the court. Be assured that there is a network of local individuals who are working in Lola's interest and doing so within the confines that the laws of California will allow. There is still some hope that the court representatives will find a will which will simplify the process as well as expedite it. If you wish to contact Lola, please do so by mail or e-mail. She can read and re-read a note at a time she feels up to. If you call, please limit the length of the call and in conversation, limit rehashing the experiences surrounding Rick's death. It is good to hear her voice and good for her to hear yours but she has not been resting well. She is much better and closer to her old self today but still very much in mourning and is very fragile, slipping into tears easily. She also is taking an afternoon nap so try not to call from 1-4 PST. Keep her in your prayers. The 4 of us who are still stuck here are taking her to dinner before we leave tonight.

Lee Littlewood

Thanks for the followup, Kent, it helps a lot. Nice timing on that blizzard.
Who is "Paul " (was one of Sister Grey's boys) ?

Kent Smith

Paul is Rick's younger brother and one of Lola's boys too.

Larry White

Kent-
Thank you for keeping us posted on what's going on. There are many of us that are very much concerned with Lola's well being and that Rick's personal property is treated with the care and respect it deserves. Rumor has it that Rick kept a notebook on all his research and discoveries. I would hope his family has been informed of the pricelessness of this book. Rick would want us all to have a copy of it. To have a copy of his notebook would be the greatest honor I could ever hope for in my life. It would be like still having him here, still having him available to answer my questions. It would be a grand travisty if his notebook got discarded like yesterdays newspaper. Glass sign art has been a big part of my life for some time now, my enjoyment and my passion. Right now there is the time required to heal this great loss. It would be my hope that Esoteric Sign Supply will remain a viable business. Rick pain stakingly researched and procured supplies from around the world. It would be a shame for it to disolve. Where else are we going to get our stuff? Please continue to keep us informed. Thanks, Larry

Bob

Thanks guys for the updates.
Lola was always very sweet to me when I would go in for "Suppiles" but always seemed frail, which concerened me.
It's great to hear Rick's friends are taking care of her, you gentelmen are to be commended !
It's great to be associated with such a kind group of people!
Thanks again for the update. Bob