We Remember
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.
LIVESTREAM:
Service
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2024, at 2:00 PM (PDT)
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Joe has left the most amazing warm memories for me. A true gentleman, will be hugely missed, and celebrated ❤️❤️❤️
Deepest condolences Diana and family. Thinking of you.
Gord
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Cheryl
Diana and family I am so very sorry to read of Joe’s passing. I have happy memories of time spent in Ontario and Manitoba. Thinking of you. Starr
With deepest sympathy our thoughts are with all who loved Joe. A quiet elegant gentleman with a thirst for knowledge and a love for his family. He will surely be missed.
Emily and Kumar Bandyo
So sorry to hear about Joe’s passing. Sending my condolences to Diana and family.
Thinking of you today Liz, and all of your family. , our condolences to you all, take care, love, Cal and Norma McDougall
Diana, I’m so sad for you and your family. Take care of each other❤️
Condolences to his family
I knew Joe and Diana for many years but had lost touch recently. Joe was one of the most humorous persons I have ever met. His Southern stories about his friends and families would always produce laughs. I met Joe and later Diana when he was at the University of Guelph. He was a good scientist and worked in several laboratories across Canada. We would meet at various conferences and I would get updates on his growing family. Joe was one of the best people I have ever met.