Obituaries

 

William J. Hilton

Passed 01/16/2024

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Obituary For William J. Hilton

It is with much love and sadness that we, the family of Bill Hilton, announce his passing on January 16, 2024 at the age of 95. Bill was born in Dartmouth, Nova
Scotia to Delia and Winfred Hilton. Bill met his wife Winetta and they celebrated their 71 st anniversary this past June 21 st , 2023. Winetta passed August 29th 2023.

Besides his parents, Bill was predeceased by his brothers, Mervin, John and Butch. He is survived by his sisters Joyce, Ann, and Mary whom he adored. He is also survived by his children John (Lynne) Hilton and their children Scotty (great-grandchildren William and Genevieve), Leanne (great-grandson Ethan), Stephanie (Scott and great-granddaughter Audrey); and Ernie (Elizabeth) Hilton and their children, Christopher (great-grandson Kash), and Amanda (partner Brock), Sharon (Russell) Hennigar, and their daughter Sherrie (partner Perry). Bill is also survived by many extended family and close friends whom he enjoyed immensely.

Bill had a long career as a printer owning the Independent Print on Dundas Street in Dartmouth and was a member of the Typographical Union Local 1030
(now referred to as the CAW) for over 70 years. It was truly a family business as he worked alongside his brother Butch and his son John. He closed the doors of the shop in May of 2019 at the age of 90 after 77 years of providing printing services to customers all over the world. He was a member of Eastern Star Lodge #51, joining in 1958 and received his 60 year jewel in 2018. He was also an honorary lifetime member of the Mic Mac Club, joining shortly after his 21st Birthday! Bill was a volunteer firefighter in Dartmouth for 45 years. He was also an avid motorcyclist and he and Winetta travelled often on day-trips and longer journeys to Newfoundland, Bill’s favourite province. As an avid nature lover, Bill would sit many early mornings at the foot of the lake-shore watching the sunrise and often told the story of a bird landing on his head while he sat quietly. Both Bill and Winetta’s favourite getaway was to Mooseland, N.S. where their camp allowed them time to connect with Nature and each other. Winetta’s passing left a massive void in Bill’s heart and he missed her terribly, every day, until he too left to join her.

Bill loved to laugh and be with family and friends. He has left a legacy of kindness and generosity in his wake. His deep and profound love of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was unmatched. No one could ever depart the house on
Brigadoon without Bill watching them leave with a wave from his front door and an instruction to ‘drive safely’. Bill had a saying, when it was time to go…”I’m going to the wagon now, these shoes are killin’ me!”. So Dad, as you so often said to us all, “Drive safe!”…say hi to Mom for us please!

A sincere thank you to the doctors, nurses, & LPN’s at the Dartmouth General 5th floor West palliative unit. Bill thought you were the best and really appreciated
the great care he received.

In lieu of flowers, we request you seek out special time with those you love and acknowledge the people and things for which you are grateful.

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Condolences

  • 01/25/2024

    Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I enjoyed my sales calls into the print shop. I would leave with a history lesson either in printing, or of stories of his adventures. Great memories of a great guy.

  • 01/21/2024

    Bill, Johnny and I did business for many years and I could always count on them to pull off the emergency order when needed. Always loved hearing the stories from the old days and the "camp". Certainly the end of an era with Billies passing.

  • 01/19/2024

    So sorry for your family lose. The Hiltons were true friends of our family. Dad will miss his daily phone calls, from Billy. Almost 48 years ago when Leonard and I got married, your Dad would not let us pay for the invitations. Saying no, you are family. Deepest sympathy Johnny, Ernie and your families Weldon, Glenna and Leonard

  • 01/19/2024

    Sending prayers and sympathy to all the family. Anne and Lynn Flemming.

  • 01/19/2024

    From the Worshipful Master, Officers and Brethren of Eastern Star Lodge #51 A.F & A.M., we offer our deepest condolences to the Family. William or Brother Bill as we knew him was a 65 yr member of our Fraternity and a valued member for all the work he did for the Lodge. He will be missed. "Til we meet Again"

  • 01/18/2024

    Ernie, Elizabeth and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Your dad was one hardworking man who gave so much to his community and family! I know he will be missed. You have so many fond memories. ❤️Deb and Rick Mayer

  • 01/18/2024

    Sincere condolences on losing Bill, he was one of a kind and larger than life to those of us in the printing industry. Small world that it is Butch played guitar in the band of my next door neighbour and upon learning I was getting into the trade invited me to drop into Independent. I was only on the job for a day or two when my employer sent me to see Bill about some typesetting; of course Butch greeted me immediately, introduced me to Bill and a friendship/bond of wanting to become a printer was instantaneous. Bill was always eager to swap tales of tough jobs and (in)famous customers or just plain old talk of great fishing expeditions. The company I worked for moved away from the Downtown core and above everything else I missed my drop in visits to Independent Print. This was just before John came into the business as I recall my last visit an offset press had been brought in and they told me it was for the "new guy". Bill is my second old friend I find in the Honour Roll today and both their memories will live on in me as Butch still does until it's my turn. R I P

  • 01/18/2024

    To all the family, I am so sorry to hear of Billy's passing. My Dad, Frank loved Billy's kindness of bringing him down meals and a visit. Dad thought so much of him! My heart goes out to your all. Ginnie (Virginia Hilton) Kerr

  • 01/18/2024

    Bill, Butch and Johnny were always so helpful and happy to be so whenever I stopped into The Independent Print, to order some work or just to visit. It's no wonder they kept the business going for so many years. My sympathies to the family at Bill's passing. -Joe Murphy

  • 01/18/2024

    John, Lynne & Family, I am so Very Sorry to hear of Billy's Passing...My (Our) Deepest Sympathy to you all.... Carla, Rick, & Momma B.

  • 01/18/2024

    We are very sad to hear of uncle Billies passing we all had fond memories of him and aunt Winette,at the camp dad always said it was the best of times .love to you all the Peach kids .

  • 01/18/2024

    So sorry for your loss but how amazing that your family had so much love and care from Papa Hilton. His legacy will live on through all of you. Cherish those fond memories. Sending love and comfort to you all during this hard time. XO P. S. We miss all the paper at school!

  • 01/17/2024

    So sorry, Elizabeth and family. I am down to two of the little skinny notebooks he provided from the printing company. Keep the memory close to your heart. Michelle Reynolds-Mader

Tributes

  • 4 TREES

    4 Trees were planted in memory of William J. Hilton - 01/29/2024

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