Obituaries

 

Cecil Oliver Hillier

Passed 09/26/2023

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Obituary For Cecil Oliver Hillier

It is with great sadness that the family of Cecil Hillier announce his passing away on September 26, 2023 at the age of 95. Born in Sydney, Nova Scotia, he was the eldest son of Gordon Hillier and Abigail (nee Davis). Cecil is survived by his brothers James (Diane) of Dundas Ontario and David (Racine – deceased) of Sydney. He was predeceased by brothers George and Melvin (Hilda).

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years Hazel (nee Ernst); children, Heather-Lee (Frank) Fuhringer, Marla, Robin (Wanda), Vanessa (Richard) Halagaza, Amanda (Darren) Wall, Joel (Danielle); fourteen grandchildren, April (Karl), Rachel (Joe), Dale (Bobby-Sue), Ian (Sonam), Janine (Seth), Nicholas, Monique (deceased), Elyse, Brock (Kiersten), Mitch, Addison, Eve, Lance, Simon; seventeen great-grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.

After graduating from the Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro, Cecil taught Industrial Arts in Glace Bay and North Sydney as well as in Knowlton Quebec, Toronto and Cobourg Ontario during his 43 year career. Cecil and family spent every summer in Gabarus, Nova Scotia, Hazel’s birthplace where he enjoyed fishing, playing cards and watching Blue Jays games. He will be missed by his family, friends from the congregation, countless former students and colleagues across Canada.

The family would like to thank Dr. Diaz for many years of care and treatment as well as the staff at various Halifax-area hospitals. Special appreciation to Dr. Aries, Dr. MacNeil, nurses and staff of the Nova Scotia Hospital Geriatric Unit who cared for Cecil as his health declined. Cecil and family experienced the finest gentle care, patience and professionalism.

A memorial service will be held October 14, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 101 Forest Hills Parkway, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. The service will also be available via Zoom; please email vhalagaza@gmail.com for details.

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Condolences

  • 03/21/2024

    Charlotte & Raymond Kenney

    Dear Hazel and Family, Ray and I were very shocked and saddened to read of our dear friend- Cecil's passing. Hazel - we appreciated you letting us know with your lovely note that we received recently. We always looked forward to speaking with Cecil on the phone (long distance), as he always had such good humor about him and was a very interesting person to speak with. Each of us would share our stories from one end of Canada to another in our letters that we exchanged as well. We are extending our Condolenses to The Hillier Family - Ray and I sure appreciated our friendship with Cecil of many years. God Bless You All. Love from Charlotte & Raymond Kenney Calgary, Alberta

  • 10/22/2023

    Richard and Pam Musgrove

    To Robin, Wanda and family: Sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you and your family. It's never easy to lose a loved one. It comforts us to know that soon we will be reunited with them. Love,Richard, Pam and Collin.

  • 10/07/2023

    Lindsay Wheaton

    My dear cousin Cecil and his lovely wife Hazel used to travel to see my family in Cape Breton every year. Sometimes twice a year on their way to Gabarus. Tea would be ready and Cecil would be looking for my father to give Cecil the chronicle herald to read and to do crosswords. Always good times and many happy memories to cherish forever. You are dearly missed Cecil. But it's clearly a Davis genetic trait to live long extraordinary lives. And live long you did. Fly high my dear cousin. 🕊️🕊️🕊️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Cousin Lindsay Wheaton n her son Kaden

  • 10/05/2023

    Heather Wall

    Our condolences with the passing of Cecil. May all your memories keep him close to your heart till you meet again. My memory is of how Cecil loved to dance. He made my mom's day when he shared a dance with her.Best regards. Lloyd and Heather Wall

  • 10/03/2023

    Alana Nieforth

    Sending a heart full of sympathy to Hazel and family. Tons of great memories of camping and trips to Gabarus, but especially of spending time together skiing at Martock , Cecil and Hazel always having an extra sandwich and hot chocolate to share. Loved having a conversation with Cecil, you always knew there was a story coming when he tipped his head and said " Well , you know......". He'll be missed . Alana Nieforth (Barkhouse)

  • 10/03/2023

    Barbara Bellemare

    My sympathies to Cecil's wife Hazel and family on his passing. Barbara Bellemare, St. Thomas

  • 10/03/2023

    Cheryl Varricchio

    Dear Hazel & family, We are sorry to hear of Cecil's passing. Our families have been such close friends for so long & we have many fond memories. Cecil was very personable & he always had a good story to tell. We will miss him. Love, Cheryl & Elio Varricchio

  • 10/03/2023

    Rosina Haight

    Sorry for your loss. Rosina and Lois, Digby cong.

Tributes

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Serene Lily Basket was sent for Cecil Oliver Hillier - 10/13/2023

  • Garden of Life Basket

    Garden of Life Basket was sent for Cecil Oliver Hillier - 10/12/2023

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