DONALD WILLIAM HILTON BA

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DONALD WILLIAM HILTON BA MDiv I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Born on March 15, 1930, in The Pas, MB, to Bill and Mona Hilton, Don went peacefully to be with the Father on July 20, 2005 after a fiercely fought battle with cancer. Don was raised in The Pas, and Dauphin, before moving to Winnipeg to attend St. John's Ravenscourt as a youth. He attended United College and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952 and in Theology in 1955. He went on to complete his Master of Divinity at the University of Winnipeg in 1977. He was ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Canada in 1955, taking a parish in Murillo, ON. While there, he met Shirley Latimer, marrying her in 1956. Don served at Knox United Church in Gull Lake, SK, before joining the Air Force as a chaplain. He was stationed at Cold Lake, AB, Gimli, MB, St. Hubert, QC, and Winnipeg, before retiring from the military and settling in Winnipeg. He was the first interim minister for the Winnipeg Presbytery of the United Church, and ministered at Rosedale, Augustine, Oxford, St. Vital, Crescent Fort Rouge, and Kildonan United Churches in an interim capacity. He then accepted a call to Crescent Fort Rouge United Church where he served until his retirement. Don celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination in June of this year. Don had a passion for people and was a friend, a mentor and a source of support to many throughout his life. He was kind, compassionate and had a heart for the underdog. Humble and without guile, he never quite grasped the depth of impact he had on those around him. He earned the respect of most everyone who knew him, but could never quite figure out why. He gave generously of himself and expected nothing in return. Don had many interests. He was a gifted pianist and organist. He loved to read and follow politics and history. He was involved with the Winnipeg Symphony Volunteers. Don had a unique sense of humour. Don was a good husband and father, and his family always came first. He is survived by his wife Shirley of Winnipeg, daughter Catherine of Mukilteo, Washington, son John of New York City, brother Bert (Leta) of Winnipeg, and brothers-in-law Bob (Doreen) of Oxdrift, ON and Glenn (Lorraine) of Parksville, BC, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a huge family of friends who are an extended family. He was predeceased by his parents. A service to celebrate Don's life will be held on Saturday, July 30 at 2:00 p.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw. In keeping with Don's request this will be a time of joy and celebration. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don's name to the Memorial Fund at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, or to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot. The family would like to thank the staffs of St. Boniface Hospital and the Riverview Health Centre Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care given during his final months. Don, you will be missed but never forgotten by the many who knew and loved you. Neil Bardal Inc. 949-2200

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 23, 2005