The  Development of the Trust

As Covey and Sue developed a plan for him to return to living in his home, there were things to do. Agreements to make.

They worked hard to get the place un-condemned.  He upgraded her Power of Attorney anytime she was denied (public) assistance on his behalf.  They became friends, almost a kind of weird, extended family, that included all his friends and neighbors without homes.  It was obvious that some of these neighbors were the reason Covey was even alive when she met him.  He had a few good people really caring and looking out for him.  To this day we still thank those from the house-less community who cared for him like family.  We still get visits them now and again.

Covey was always concerned about the area’s house-less or others in need. He and Sue butted heads but came to another agreement: that allowed him to help, with her management and priority.  Covey was the priority.  It was time for those who were able, to give Covey a hand. It was great to see the people he had given a bite to eat, come back to rake, sweep and pick up garbage.  

It was during this first year that Sue realized Covey actually needed to do something about his Will (or anything but nothing).  Covey replied that she was his agent and she would be able to figure it out.  Time for another understanding and agreement!  After a few too many revisions, they had a working agreement.   Sue owned 6,000 bricks.  Fine.  End of discussion.

Covey was done and he dismissed his agent (Sue).   He was like that sometimes.

Later, Covey thanked her for her help and asked; “See you tomorrow?”

It would be months before she could get him to discuss the issue again.   When unprovoked, he stated his wishes for his property and wanted his wishes secured.

Sue learned the history of the property.  She learned his history with the property.  He was responsible for the care of the home prior to his own ownership.  He worked for the owner,  Countess Lillian Remillard Dandini.   

The most important wish was to live in his beloved home, until he died.  The only way he wanted to leave was “feet first”.   

Eventually, they started with a general Trust for the property,  intending to allow a remote family member (The Beneficiary) to Protect and Preserve the property, NOT TO SELL OR DEMOLITION the property.  The family member (The Beneficiary) would enjoy the property for the remainder of her life.  After her death, the property would be put into a Historic Trust, under a previously established non-profit organization, the ASHWORTH REMILLARD HISTORIC SITE, 501(c)3.

Since there was a lack of Interest from the extended family of (The Beneficiary), Mr. Covey did not think (The Beneficiary) would have the SUPPORT (moral or physical) to manage the Trust by herself.  Therefore, Covey assigned the job of Trustee to Sue, along with his Durable Power of Attorney, to ensure that his wishes were accomplished.  (The Beneficiary) would have access to the home during her lifetime.   She was given all the personal family items that were important and personally requested by herself.  The home site was to be maintained for her use.  (The Beneficiary) would continue to be the backup POA and Trustee, during her lifetime.   The beneficiary, Bernice, died in 2016.   Rest In Peace.

Covey started allowing tours of his house, in order to meet and greet local Citizens and Organizations that would (in Covey’s mind) be candidates to take over the Historic Organization after his death.  Sue, on the other hand, was really hoping to find her hands-on replacement.

Covey died a month after the first tour.  His death came almost four years after Sue met him, and almost three and 1/2 years longer than she thought he would survive, based on the condition she found him in.

His wish to die in his home, with dignity, was granted.

Rest in Peace, Joseph Covey