Obituary of James David Hilliar

Jim (Jimmy) was born on November 27, 1936, at Ridgedale, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the family farm and met Betty Stewart while she worked for a neighbouring farm. They were married on July 11, 1957. Together, they raised six children and were married for 63 years. They lived in various places between Ridgedale and the Flin Flon area until they settled in Melfort, which they called home for nearly 60 years. Jim was a hard worker and an excellent provider. He always had two or three jobs to support the family, including labour jobs working on elevators and farming. He also worked for the Town of Melfort, reading gas meters and caretaking at the old civic centre. Additionally, he worked maintenance at Parkland Regional Care Centre for many years. Jim also delivered mail as a contractor for Canada Post for over 20 years; he loved his “rural route” and took great pride in delivering courteous and consistent service. In his later years, he worked at the Norman Vickar building and courthouse in maintenance and cleaning, delivering government mail, and a couple of small mail delivery jobs. Even when he could no longer drive, his wife would drive him to pick up and deliver his last small mail job; he was dedicated until the end. As busy as Jim was, if he was involved in an organization, they had a dedicated and loyal helper. He spent over 20 years as a proud member of Melfort’s Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active and dedicated member of the Melfort AA Group, serving as their secretary-treasurer for many years. After Jim retired, he spent a lot of time being an active member of Branch #30 of the Royal Canadian Legion, acting as caretaker, snow shoveller, and jack-of-all-trades. He also volunteered at every event, bingo, fair raffle, and more. He was a proud and dedicated lifetime member of the Melfort Legion. Jimmy also enjoyed hunting season, and shared a cabin with his good friends, Arnell, Dick, Herb and later Kyle. They always came home with lots of stories and laughs of their adventures.
Through it all, Jim’s greatest love was his family. He loved nothing more than a family dinner, going for coffee with the kids, and spending time visiting. Wherever Jim went, his family went; whether it was an AA roundup, a Legion supper, the wing ding, or anywhere else, they always belonged. Jim spent his final three years living at Parkland Place, where he received love and wonderful care. When asked if he liked his new home, Jim replied, “Well, the food is good, the girls are nice, and the bathrooms are close; what more can I ask for?” This response embodied his gracious spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. Jimmy passed away peacefully in his bed at Parkland on the morning of December 19, 2024. He leaves behind his family: children Wanda (Dick) Torrance, Debbie Hackett (Terry Gray), James, Sylvia (Ross) Peterson, and Stewart; and his beloved grandchildren Michelle and family, Jolene (Rob), Kristen (Brad) and family, Jane and family, Sylvia (Jeff) and family, and Astre (Ryan) and family. Jim was predeceased by his wife Betty, son Malcolm, grandchildren Justin, Jody, and Tara, his parents Charley and Lillian Hilliar, and his siblings Margaret Argent, Sylvia Beacock, Charlie Hilliar, and John Hilliar.

Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be directed to the Alzheimer's Society and/or Royal Canadian Legion Branch #30.

To watch Funeral Service please click on link below

https://youtu.be/dxsMjYbyhzs