One of the best things about being an author is the opportunity to do some cool things with some cool people. I volunteer with The Family Tree, Maryland’s leading non-profit for preventing child abuse. For their recent Great Chef’s charity dinner and auction, I donated the right to name a character in my third book (coming out in 2013).
A few days later, I was delighted to receive an email from the winning bidder, Mrs. BJ Litz of Owings Mills, Maryland. But she didn’t want to name the character after herself – she asked me to immortalize the name of her husband, George Litz.
I was incredibly touched by her email, which spoke in glowing words of her husband of over four decades.
George was recently diagnosed with lung cancer, which metastasized to his brain in September of last year. He’s been through cyber knife surgery and chemotherapy, and he recently finished ten days of full brain and chest radiation. I would probably be a nervous wreck, but BJ writes, “This was all done at Georgetown Hospital, love that place and all the people we came in contact with!!”
George was born in Baltimore, went to Baltimore City College, and began working for the family business, L&L Supply, when he was 17. He’s now the president and owner. Among other things, his company supplied the brick that built Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Baltimore’s baseball stadium) and the materials for PSINet stadium (home to the Baltimore Ravens).
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
BJ and George met on a blind date when BJ was nineteen and George was twenty. It must have been a real love match, because they’re still together, with three daughters, aged 40, 36, and 32 – and five grandchildren. You can read a fun story of how their daughter, Lacie, met her husband, a Ravens football scout, at a Ravens Christmas party here.
I love this picture of BJ and George dancing at their daughter’s wedding:
BJ and George Litz, dancing at their daughter’s wedding at Ravens stadium
Amazing biceps for any woman, but particularly for someone who has five grandkids, right? Just looking at this picture made me resolve to go to the gym more.
But the part of her email I loved the most was this: BJ wrote, “George is amazing and even more handsome then ever with no hair!!”
George Litz obviously has terrific taste in women, and he’s one of life’s good guys. I’m honored to be naming one of the good guys in my next book after him.
Alenna says
8 May, 2012 at 4:57 pmThat’s a great story Allison! We look forward to read about Mr. Litz in your novel. He sounds like a good potential mayor or politician – “Senator Litz” perhaps? Or maybe a police officer – “Detective Litz”. Any hints about the storyline?
Also thanks for the information about The Family Tree. I used to volunteer ages ago for a Woman’s Shelter in Boulder, Colorado. I’ve been meaning to look into doing that again here in MD.
Allison Leotta says
9 May, 2012 at 8:18 pmI like the sound of “Senator Litz,” Alenna! I’ll just have to see how the story goes and find a character who’s distinguished enough to pull it off. 🙂 My third one will be about MS-13, a vicious gang that is terrorizing communities around DC, and the mystery of Jack’s wife’s death.
The Family Tree is a great place, doing all sorts of great things! You should check it out, Alenna, I know they always need volunteers.
Tracy March says
14 May, 2012 at 2:42 pmThis is such a touching story. Thanks for sharing it with us. My best to the Litz family–wishing George a full recovery and continuted happiness with his lovely wife BJ (yes, nice biceps!), his children, and grandchildren.
(Mr) Kim Kennedy says
12 February, 2013 at 5:41 pmI have known George for the better part of 40 years. When younger, we always hung in the same crowds. I had not seen George much over the last 10 years. I just heard he passed away yesterday. Last we talked about 8 months ago, I did not know he was fighting cancer. We did talk about a young man he was helping. George truly gave back. George gave back the most valuable possession a person has. He gave his “time”.
He will truly be missed.
Allison Leotta says
13 February, 2013 at 10:36 pmI’m so sorry to hear this. I never met George, but from my correspondence with BJ — who clearly adored him — it was obvious that he was a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with BJ and the rest of his family.
nd says
6 March, 2013 at 2:16 pmThey were our next door neighbors many years ago – George was a great neighbor and good man. This is a lovely story to stumble upon and nice tribute from his wife.
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