Gary David Hilz

Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife Elaine; his children Amber (Shane) Hipwell, Aaron (Michelle) Hilz, and Amanda (Jason) Pringle; and his grandchildren Chloe, Owen, Evan and Corbin.

Also surviving him are his brother Edwin (Dawna) Hilz and sisters Hilda Munton, Elsie Schmidt, Irene (Keith) Murray and Jean (Jim) Warnstaff, as well as an aunt and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents Henry and Olga Hilz, and sisters Glenda Kohlsmith and Lita York.

Gary was born and grew up in Vulcan, Alberta. He attended Hillcrest Christian College and S.A.I.T in Calgary, then went on to farm in the Champion area. He married Elaine Rose Adolf on July 22, 1972 in Hanna, Alberta and enjoyed 42 wonderful years together.

In 1980 a big move to Chilliwack brought a new farming adventure with raspberries. The 21 acre raspberry farm on Reeves Road was family life until he retired in 2000.

Family was Gary’s priority but church and music was also an important part of his life from playing bass guitar, leading worship at church and singing in various quartets. He loved to travel with family and friends. Gary participated in four trips to Haiti where he showed his love for Jesus in helping the Haitians through singing, speaking, building, helping in the medical clinic and playing with the children.

Gary served on the EMCC National Board for 5 years; served on the Board of Director for Hillcrest Christian College for 9 years; was 2nd vice president for the Men’s Organization for the Evangelical Church for 10 years; and served as Lay representative for the Canada Conference on the Board of Directors of the Evangelical Church of North America. At Cross Connection Church he was Sunday School Superintendent for many years, a Sunday school teacher, Lay Leader, Men’s Fellowship President, delegate to conference and assembly and a member of the local council for 25+ years.

Gary’s generous heart shone when he donated his bone marrow to a matching candidate in 1995 and through his numerous blood donations to the Red Cross. Gary was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in February of 2010, which began another journey in his life.

Gary’s love for the Lord, his family and his profound faith will always be remembered. He was strong, courageous and a Godly man who left an amazing legacy for his family.

Special thanks to Dr. G. Enns, Dr. P. Galbraith, and the staff at CGH and BCCA for the care they provided for Gary and his family.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Cross Connection Church, 9310 Williams St. on Thursday, June 4 at 1:00 pm with Rev. John Reimer officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cross Connection Church Haiti Project 2015 or the BC Cancer Agency.

Arrangements under the direction of Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home, Chilliwack, BC.