Frederick Hillmer

FREDERICK GORDON HILLMER March 12, 1939 - October 19, 2013 FREDERICK GORDON HILLMER was born and raised in Magrath, Alberta. He was born March 12, 1939 the oldest of four children born to Orville and Annie Hillmer. As a boy growing up, much of his time was devoted to the demands of assisting his father with burdensome chores. At times, Fred lamented missed opportunities in his youth - the result of unending chores. He took great pride, however, in the work ethic which was instilled in his youth and never left him. As a young man he worked and achieved in a number of jobs. He drove truck, hauled gravel, worked numerous road construction projects, and even repaired sewing machines. On February 8, 1963, he married Joyce Cook. They made their home in Magrath and enjoyed the blessings of two daughters: Katharine Van Den Elsen (wife of Perry Van Den Elsen) of Lethbridge; and Cynthia Lee Thompson (wife of Curtis Thompson) of Great Falls, Montana. Fred was a devoted family man intent on creating learning adventures for his girls. As the girls grew older together there were hunting trips and other outings. Fred - much to Joyce's learned chagrin - would often show up at home with some new pet. The girls always had horses and pets. Animals seemed a special attraction of Fred's. He raised bees - mostly for honey, but some to help a friend with M.S. who believed bee stings help arrest the ailment. He and a friend obtained and raised wild Russian boars outside of town for a number of years. Fred always seemed to be involved in a fish pond, and he delighted in taking his grandchildren fishing in those ponds. Fred was skilled and knowledgeable in mechanics at all levels. In the heavy equipment arena, he was an operator - Fred could run them all. The last years of his work life, Fred worked for the Town of Magrath where he ran equipment, laid water pipe, attended to winter challenges, and generally did whatever was needed. Both of his immediate grandsons learned the fundamentals of mechanics from an early age. People in general were dear to Fred. He loved to sit and talk on virtually any topic. He would share his stories and listen to the stories of others. And, in the event the tale they told was too tall, he would not hesitate to challenge by exclaiming "rabbit ass." The loss of Joyce in 2003 took its toll on Fred; he missed her deeply. After Joyce passed, Fred spent summers in Great Falls with Cindy. He liked to sit on the porch and watch the various birds and their habits. He enjoyed spending his summers at the Smith River, south of Great Falls amidst many good-natured, caring friends. On October 19, 2013, Fred passed away following a short illness. He is survived by his two daughters Kathy and Cindy; his siblings - Shirley (Roy) Cook (Calgary), Lloyd (Adele) Hillmer (Calgary), and Barb(Terry) Graham (Lethbridge); grandchildren: Jolene, Drew, Hayes, Saige, Austin and Nicole; five great-grandchildren and many, many friends, all of whom were close. His faithful companion, Muttley, predeceased Fred. His latest companion, Suzie, misses him. Friends may meet with the family for prayers at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13St. N. Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, October 25th from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will held at ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 82 North, 2 Street West, Magrath, Alberta on Saturday, October 26th at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Brian Amison officiating. Interment to follow in the Magrath Cemetery. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. (Irish Epitaph)

Service Information