Geoffrey F Fillar's Obituary
It is with great sadness we announce that our beloved Geoffrey Francis Fillar went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday the 12th of November, 2018 in Lutz Florida. Geoff was 47. From his birth to his death, Geoff was loved by many. He was born to Marguerite and Thomas on April 5,1971 in Kalamazoo MI. With four older brothers one can imagine how he tried to keep up. His mother commented that often in pictures he had some sort of bandage on. Not because he was clumsy, but because he was adventurous. Like his brothers, he took many risks trying to live life to the fullest. If you have ever sat around a camp fire with the Fillar brothers you would hear the many stories of their childhood adventures and miss haps. Literally, they all could have died several times over, but for the grace of God.
Geoff grew up in Kalamazoo and had many friends from all walks of life. He was a bright student and active with his youth group, but would be the first to admit that he made some damaging choices as a youth. Because he cared so deeply for the pain he caused others, he carried that burden for the rest of his life. Geoff strove to redefine himself achieving a level of success that few can match. After high school Geoff put himself through college gaining a Bachelor degree from University of Detroit Mercy and Masters degree in Business from Western Michigan University. He then went on to complete his PHD course work at Nova Southeastern University in Information Systems. His dissertation professor moved out of state, so he decided to end his formal education at that point. However, Geoff never stop educating himself for the rest of his life.
Geoff lived in New Orleans for a while. He also had a stint in San Fransisco working for his brother’s company. At the age of 25 a blessing was bestowed upon him that would change the trajectory of his life and would bring him back to Michigan. Miss Kira Nicole Fillar was born and she was a delight to him. Such a sweet caring person with a propensity to break her bones occasionally.Kira Fillarwas such an easy child to raise. Geoff was so grateful for how responsible, hard working and pleasant Kira was as a child/teen. He was so proud of the beautiful young woman she grew into. A few months ago we asked if Geoff was concerned with Kira’s choice in a new boyfriend. His response was that he was not worried because Kira makes good choices. He had complete confidence in her. Geoff had the privilege of seeing Kira graduate this past May from Michigan State University (I can hear you Spartan fans cheer), with an environmental engineering degree. Kira now works in Northville, MI. Geoff gave Kira’s mom, Nicole, much credit for Kira’s success as she did an amazing job co-parenting with Geoff.
Geoff attended Agape Christian Church where he met the love of his life Andrea. All who know Andrea agree that she is the best thing that happened to him. They married September 27,1997 and just celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary! Andrea was a true companion and cheerleader to Geoff. She was a partner in marriage and loved him very much. What she lacked he was strong in and what he lacked she was strong in. They built an incredible life together. A true partnership that celebrated achievements and held each other in the difficult times. Geoff loved that he had a beautiful wife both inside and out. Andrea was even able to turn Geoff into a football fan. We love her for that too. Andrea and Kira were at the center of Geoff’s desire to create a better life that they deserved. The moves to Ohio, Atlanta and then Florida were all designed to create a better life for their family. Of course more sun didn’t hurt this strategy either. One thing is for certain, Geoff did not like the cold.
On February19, 2006 in Atlanta Georgia Geoff and Andrea had the blessing of welcoming Regin Jade Fillar into the world. Geoff loved his family and Regin was no exception. She is a busy, beautiful, full of life little girl quickly morphing into a young lady. Geoff worked diligently to add new parenting skills to give Regin the guidance and foundation necessary for long term success. He enrolled her in marshal arts so she could learn respect, how to defend herself and how to channel her frustrations in a positive manner. This was always important to Geoff. Regin has a brown/black belt and he was so proud of her and her accomplishments. Regin has so many of Geoff's best qualities and we know she will go far in life. Regin is 12 years old and in 7th grade. She loves to craft, play volleyball and dreams of the day she can take on Geoff's love for Jeeping. She made life exciting for Geoff. All who know Regin are amazed that she's only 12! I don’t know many 12 year olds who can play the card game Up and Down the River and be more competitive than the adults! I loved seeing Geoff kiss his girls on the top of their heads and call them beautiful. They are and will always be Geoff’s girls. No one can take his place, but that is where we come in. We can pick up where Geoff left off. We can help by encouraging and supporting Regin, Kira and Andrea in words and in time.
Geoff loved life. Jeeping with his Jeep family, kayaking, camping, Country music concerts with Andrea, gardening, on line gaming, relaxing on the Lanai with a cigar in hand and a little bourbon in the glass. He was full of life both in work and his personal life. He was a Knowledge Manager for JLL and did you know that Geoff was certified for CERT (community emergency response team)? He loved working on his Jeep and dreamed of the day he would refurbish one with his daughter Regin. He and Andrea bought a fixer upper house and spent hours and hours turning it into their dream home. Geoff was so proud of their joint efforts and loved their time together there. Those of us who were lucky enough to bed and breakfast there over the years were continually grateful for Geoff’s hospitality and amazing cooking. His dinners were better than any restaurant fare.
We will never forget the name of Geoff's Jeep. In the Jeep community you name your vehicle. He named it SOS which stands for Sheep or Shepherd. Will you be the lost sheep that Jesus goes after or will you be the Shepherd that watches out for and leads others to Christ? We all find ourselves in times of struggle. Geoff struggled and knew that his only hope was his faith in Christ. He would want to ask you where you place your faith. Geoff knew Jesus and loved the Lord. He was so thankful that Jesus died to take away his wrongs so that he could have a relationship with God for eternity. He strove to pattern his life after Him, often helping people because of his Christ centered convictions to serve and help others - whether a lending ear or real life experience meant to encourage others. As an adult Geoff strived to do the right thing. He would ask God for guidance and direction. He had a great accountability partner in John White and they had many heart felt conversations and prayed together. Geoff may be gone from this earth but he is not lost. We know exactly where he is and we know without a doubt that one day we will see him again. We are excited to think that we have eternity with Geoff to do all the things that we wish we could do with him today.
We will miss you Geoff Fillar. Your smile, your hugs, your love, your sense of humor and your wittiness!
Geoff is survived by wife Andrea Slavin Fillar, daughters Kira Nicole Fillar, Regin Jade Fillar, father Thomas and June Fillar, mother Marguerite Mosher, siblings Kennedy and Valerie Fillar, Patrick and Kristen Fillar, David and Sarah Fillar, Brendan Fillar, Christyn and Zack Florian, Abraham and Jessie Fillar, Josiah Fillar and Audra Fillar. Nieces and nephews Blake Fillar, Kiersten and Rod Fillar Hausmann, Lindsey and Jordan Fillar Wegeler, Jordan and Maheen Fillar, Taylor Fillar, Sydney Fillar, McKenna Fillar, Nolan Fillar, Mathias, Caely and Fiona Florian, Joseph, Jonah, Sebastian and Marina Fillar and Cooper and Porter.
Andrea’s family: parents, Marian and Dennis Slavin, siblings Matthew and Sheri Slavin, Daniel and Nicole Slavin, nieces and nephews, Noah, Isaiah, Tyler and Lydia. And many extended family, friends and neighbors.
Geoff was preceded in death by grandparents Leo and Stella Fillar, Frank and Marie Mosher and Delmer and Audrey Brace.
In lieu of flowers please consider giving to Off Road United Foundation Inc secure.qgiv.com
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