Jonathan Lee Biller

I met Jonathan oh-so-many years ago, when he first took a glass class at Penland, and I was Resident Artist there. He was an open, fun, guileless, and creative person, and we became friends. We both subsequently settled in Mitchell County, where we put together our respective glass-studios, and it was always a delight to catch up with him whenever I would run into him. I used to keep foster dogs for The Mitchell County Animal Rescue; Jonathan's beloved dog "Greta" was one of them, and she...

Was saddened to hear of Jonathan's sudden passing. He was so young! As a neighbor down the street, Me and my Son watched him do some glass making on a couple occasions, it was so interesting and Jonathan was so focused and intense while crafting his art. I recently asked Jonathan... Maybe just two weeks ago... "What is a single Grateful Dead Song that would get me into their music?" His response was simply their song... "Ripple". A wonderful song and I did not get a chance to thank Jonathan...

Though heartbroken to say goodbye to my friend, surrogate big brother, and cheerleader I know I am blessed to have known him. Deep sympathy and love to Jonathan's biological and chosen family.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of such a wonderful person. Jonathon was my next door neighbor and friend in NC. Before he was a wonderful neighbor to me, he was a dear friend and neighbor to my Grandmother. They spent many days together on her front porch. He always brought his dogs over to see her and they were always so gentle and friendly. Our neighborhood has lost a dear friend and we are all missing him. He was, among so many things, wonderfully kind.