Springs man provides simple act of kindness

A simple act of kindness is sometimes all a family needs to get them through another day.

Retired airman Joe Lizotte is just one of many who tries to make a difference in their lives.

Lizotte designs 8×10 posters on his computer.

He uses photographs and words to put together a special memento for families who have lost a loved one and for those struggling through hard times. He even makes them to praise people for their hard work.

“It lets them know someone cares,” said Lizotte.

Lizotte began making these framed memorials during the Gulf War.

He sent a card to a chaplain serving overseas. The chaplain sent a card back with a bible verse. Lizotte took that bible verse, typed it up on plain paper and mailed it back to the chaplain.

“He said he took it, made a frame out of a coat hanger and hung it up in his tent,” said Lizotte.

That response inspired Lizotte to make more printed materials.

He’s made hundreds of memorial posters.

Many of them victims from southern Colorado, including the three Alamosa girls killed in a car crash in Pueblo, the Woodland Park Boy Scouts who died in a car accident and the sisters who were shot in the New Life Church shootings.

“I didn’t know any of them,” said Lizotte.

The response from families who have received these gifts has been overwhelming, said Lizotte.

He read aloud some thank you cards he’s been given over the years.

“Dear Joe, words cannot adequately express how deeply touched and grateful we were for the plaque you prepared with exceptional skill, love and care,” Lizotte read.

Another thank you note came from a woman who worked in a pharmacy and was going through a hard time.

Lizotte read, “I want to tell you your kindness means very much to me. In my job, I hear and see a lot of negative things, but your thoughtfulness and generosity is above any complaint.”

Lizotte said its hard to describe why he does what he does, he said it’s something that just feels right.

“I get satisfaction that I’ve done this for others because of what it’s done for them,” he said.