Joseph Hillman
Born In: Sydney
Born: February 9th, 1932
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: February 5th, 2015
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joseph Edgar Hillman announce his peaceful passing at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney on Thursday, February 5, 2015, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Dad was born in Sydney and was the son of the late Edgar and Flora (Varner) Hillman.
Dad was a true gentleman who was loved dearly by all who knew him, but first and foremost he was a family man. He treasured the many family gatherings at our home and took great pride in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was a devoted and loving husband and wonderful role model to his entire family. Dad loved playing tarabish with his family and friends, spending summers in Seal Island, caring for his gardens and house, and attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, school concerts, and graduations.
Dad worked as an insulator for many years with Guildfords and at the Glace Bay and Port Hawkesbury Heavy Water Plants. He later worked as the Event Coordinator for the Sydney Bicentennial Celebrations and retired from C200 as building maintenance supervisor. Dad served as president of the Local Insulators Union and sat on the Board of the Cape Breton Regional Housing Authority and the Sydney Recreation Commission. He was also very active for many years with the Progressive Conservative Party, as well as coaching minor hockey and baseball.
Dad was honored for his exploits in hockey when he was inducted into the Cape Breton Sport Hall of Fame in 2012. He was described by his peers as a classy guy both on and off the ice. He was a smooth skater, goal scorer, and play-maker. Throughout his prestigious career he suited up with the Junior and Senior Sydney Millionaires, Lunenburg Falcons, Amherst Ramblers, and Miramichi Beavers. He was playing-coach of the Northside Vics, Corner Brook Royals, and Bell Island Islanders. He even had a professional stint with the New York Rovers of the Eastern Hockey League. Dad also had an impressive career in junior and senior baseball, playing in Sydney, Bell Island, NL, Newcastle, NB, and Douglastown, NB. Other sports he excelled in were football, rugby, basketball, and bowling.
Dad is survived by his wife of 60 years and love of his life, Marilyn (Barton); two sons, Arleigh (Margaret), Lower Sackville and Edgar (Corinna), Coxheath; three daughters, Diane (Bob) Bellefontaine, Dartmouth, Janice (John) Hanna, Howie Centre and Alison, Sydney; seven grandchildren, John, Katie, Emily, Darren Ells, Mitchell, Becky, and Darren; and one great-grandchild, Bailey. He will be sadly missed by his three brothers, Arleigh (Elsie), Gary 'Sonny', and Ronald 'Beaver'; three sisters, Shirley Thurber, Dawn Tubrett, and Beverley (George) Herridge; and his many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his youngest son, Darren; brother, Dougie; and sisters, Pearl Ross, Eileen MacCharles, and Judy Marmulak.
Visitation will be held at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. A service will be held in the chapel on Monday, Feb. 9 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Ralph Johnston officiating.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful doctors, nurses, and hospice workers in the An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the CBRH for your special care, love, and support. We couldn’t have gotten through this without you. Special thanks also to dad’s doctor and friend, Murdoch Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice Palliative Care Society of CB or a charity of your choice.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or emailed to sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
