Visiting with Lois …by Lynn Wilson
We haven’t seen Lois Koji since the memorial service for Alex in May. Paul says, it would be good to see Lois. We call to see if a September Saturday will suit. “Let me check my calendar,” Lois says, allowing that she's still figuring out the phone. Alex used to do it. She’ll visit the Lord’s Acre sale in Galax, we’ll bicycle on the Parkway, and then meet for dinner.
Lois is on the porch when we arrive. We visit around the picnic table, enchanted by the late fall afternoon’s sun-warmed breezes. Lots of trees have come back since the fire burned up the eastern escarpment. Lois points to the reddening sourwoods. What’s that tree with just a few glossy red leaves? Black gum perhaps? On our way to closer inspection, a downed oak limb blocks our path. The limb has blessedly missed the house, says Lois, but needs to be removed from the lawn. We trim away as much as loppers will do. The rest awaits a sawyer. John and Ann helped to fix that drainage problem, Lois explains about a new drain pipe emerging into the yard.
Searching for tools, I glance at the metal yard care trailer filled with partially-burned charcoal. “Why would he put it there?” Lois asks. Alex looms large in our memories but memories offer no answer. She asks for Paul’s help with a flashlight. She mentions falling and dragging herself out of the briars and a fall that left her hand injured. It’s almost well now.
Lois tells us about the 4th of July picnic at the church and the Patriot’s Chorus she started to encourage people to learn the words to our national anthem, “America the Beautiful” and “God Bless America.” She read her poems at a recent talent show and won the “Fanciest Ornament” contest at Fancy Gap, one of many celebrations of the Parkway’s 75th anniversary. She brings out the contest-winning Scherenschnitte love tree. “You say your ‘I loves’ as you find the punched-out hearts,” she says. “I love the Blue Ridge Parkway because…” She shares a poem written for a niece’s wedding, and remembers that Alex claimed it for himself. Lois’s Moravian star mobile toured all the area libraries as part of an exhibit sponsored by the Women’s Center. The living room floor holds the scrapbook picture boards from the memorial service for Alex.
She looks forward to son Steve’s upcoming visit. We’re glad we’ve come… remembering that we love the Blue Ridge Parkway and Galax because Alex and Lois welcomed us here so many times. Lois will teach the craft of Christbaumschnitte at the Chestnut Creek School of the Arts on November 20. Perhaps you’ll join Lois and cut paper designs for your Christmas tree ornaments. Go thoughtfully and you’ll find a spell in the mountains, the craft and the teacher.
"A Fly Away," says Lois
Memorial Service Held Saturday, May 15
A memorial service for Alex Koji, owner and operator with his wife Lois, of Virginia's Blue Ridge Hostel, was held at 2 PM on Saturday, May 15, 2010 at the Glenwood United Methodist Church, 2043 Coal Creek Road, Galax, VA 24333. Alex died on Jan. 9, 2010, in Galax at the age of 88. A retired engineer, he opened the hostel to world travelers in 1988. His memorial service will be "his fly away," said Lois.
“Alex’s stories, his consistent regard for safety, his passionate opinions are going to be missed,” said Lynn Wilson, a volunteer for Hostelling International-North Carolina Council. Wilson was a fellow charter member when hostel councils were launched in NC. “This leaves a hole in our hearts,” she said, “but it also leaves many with a new appreciation for the Southern Appalachians because of the window that Alex and Lois have opened.”
Alex became President of the Piedmont Council of American Youth Hostels when it was first chartered and also served on AYH's Southern Region Board. Alex was an active volunteer for the Blue Ridge Mountain Music Center, a member of the Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway-Fisher’s Peak Chapter, and Glenwood United Methodist Church, Galax, Va. More about Alex’s life is published in the January 11 obituary notice in the Galax Gazette.
After Alex's failing heart decided him on closing the hostel, the HI-NC Council honored him at a June reception at the Rex Theater in Galax.
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