HILLIARD, Joe

October 18, 1944 — March 6, 2024

On March 6, 2024, in at home, in Kelowna, BC, Joe Hilliard passed away peacefully at home at the age of 79.

Joe was born on October 18, 1944, in Huntingdon, Tennessee, USA to the late Joe & Addie Hilliard. With a thirst for knowledge, Joe pursued higher education with a passion for learning, earning degrees from the University of Tennessee, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Florida. He moved north to Canada. From the fertile fields of southern Ontario to the open skies of southern Manitoba, and finally to the sun-kissed vineyards of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, he made each place his own.  Joe’s interests were many. Whether gazing up at the stars while he studied astronomy or meticulously crafting gemstones, he found peace in the beauty of the natural world and the pursuit of knowledge. The simple joys of everyday life also held Joe’s attention, he was a passionate Toronto Blue Jays fan.

Yet, for all his accomplishments and interests, Joe’s greatest source of joy lay in the loving embrace of his family. With his beloved wife Diana by his side and their children and grandchildren gathered around them, he found fulfillment in the shared moments of laughter and love.

Though his journey may have reached its end, Joe’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to call him friend, father, and grandfather. Joe is survived by his beloved, Diana, they were together 51 years; and by their children, Elizabeth “Liz” (Michael), Gordon (Suzie), and Peter (Sandra); and grandchildren, Brooke, Lauren, Natalie, Rayna, Lila, and Taylor. He was predeceased by his sister, Nancy, and his brother, Richard.

To know Joe was to love him. Joe taught his family the importance of unconditional love and demonstrated it to them every day.

A Memorial Service will be held on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM (PDT), in the reception hall of SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME: 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

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