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Vesper Duane "Pedro" Hillegeist passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on August 8, at age 83. He fought a courageous year-long battle against Esophageal Cancer. Pedro was born in Vinson, Oklahoma on July 4,1931. In 1934 his family escaped the Dust Bowl and moved to California in hopes of a better life. It was love at first sight when Pedro met Elaine Quinn in the cotton fields of Bakersfield, California. They wed in Quartzite, Arizona in 1949, marking the beginning of a beautiful marriage that has lasted over 65 years. After moving to Humboldt County in 1956, Pedro began his career as a cement mason and later, along-side his brother R.V., operated H&H Construction. His work ethic and quality craftsmanship shone through in all his endeavors. He spent over 45 years laying sidewalks, curbs and foundations around the area; he constructed his family's beautiful split level home in Kneeland; and could be trusted to fix anything that was broken. Together, Pedro and Elaine found joy in the great outdoors: fishing, hunting, camping, and searching for agates along the coastline. More recently, they could be found enjoying the local casinos. Pedro was known for treating everyone he met like a best friend, and will be remembered for his sweet and gentle nature. Dad always had a lot love to share. He was a dedicated and caring husband, father, and grandfather- "Papa". He will be greatly missed by his best friend and loving wife Elaine; his son David and wife Jennifer, and their daughters Erin and Kelly; his grandsons Michael and William, and their children; his sister Sharon Youngblood; his brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim Quinn, Byron Crutchfield, Billie Sue Hillegeist, and their families; his loving nieces, nephews, and friends including Earl Wilfong and Chuck Palmer. He is preceded in death by his parents Ras and Ethel Hillegeist, sister Violet Cornelius, brother R.V. Hillegeist, and son Michael Hillegeist. There will be a chapel service at Pierce Mortuary on Wednesday, August 13th at 12 p.m., 707 H Street, Eureka. A 2p.m. burial service will follow at Ocean View Cemetery. Papa, we will miss you so much. You will always have a very special place in our hearts. We love you. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com and click on obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dave and Family - I am so sorry about your dad's passing. Keep all of the good memories close to your heart.
Sharon and Bob Colburn
September 3, 2014
Eliane & family-
We are so very sad to hear this news. Pedro was such a wonderful, kind and talented man.
My dad nor I had seen Pedro in a long while but he would always bring a smile to our faces when we would run into you guys.
Both of you were such good friends to my parents over the years (45+ years).
I have great childhood memories of both of you while visiting your old house with the ghost upstairs and the cat. Pedro was always ready to entertain me with fun stories and all those marbles to play with. When I was about 5-7 years old Pedro had me convinced I was so good at playing marbles that I was ready to go pro. Later in life I realized he let me win all those games and I adored him more for giving a little girl confidence in herself. Both of you had a big hand in my love and life long search for marbles and antiques. Such a gift you both shared and gave me.
May your many memories of Pedro give you comfort. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Pedro - I am deeply honored and blessed to have known you. We will travel together again someday - this I know. Until then, go with God, be healed and rest in peace.
Love and comfort to the family.
Bob Webb & Ellen Webb-Buzzard
August 15, 2014
To the family of Pedro, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope that you can find peace and know that your demonstration of love and caring for Pedro was extraordinary. You were blessed to have Pedro and he was blessed to have you.
Janet Hansen
August 15, 2014
Dave,,, sorry to here about your Dad. You and your family are in our prayers
Tom and Jane Vallee
August 15, 2014
Dave, so sorry to hear about the loss of your
dad. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Roxann & Gus Thornton
August 13, 2014
I am sorry for your loss Elaine he was a great man and I enjoyed the the time I spent with him. Hutting camp will not be the same. May you find peace. We all loved him very much. I am very sorry I could not make it there today.
Brandon Palmer
August 13, 2014
Our sympathy goes out to your fsmily.
We hope you all gather support ffom each other and all the wonderful memories will help in this time of sorrow. Pedro will be missed. Pilot will not be the same without him there.
Joel and LIz Matney
August 13, 2014
To the Family,
Pedro and Elaine have blessed our hearts from the first day we met them .We are very sorry for your loss, sending you love and prayers and many blessings ,Stan and Janet Susavilla
Janet Susavilla
August 12, 2014
So sorry for your loss ..
Kim Bergel
August 12, 2014
Elaine, Dave, Michael, billy,
I am so sorry for your loss. What I remember of Pedro he was a great guy. I have not seen him for quite a while but will always remember him. I pray that god will ease your pain of losing such a great man!!! All my love Michelle
Michelle Sletten
August 12, 2014
Deborah Hansen
August 12, 2014
Uncle Pedro will be missed so much. He brought so much joy and happiness to my life. I will never forget his laugh, his kisses and his stories. Right before we would go camping he would tease me by telling me about all the wlld animals in the woods and when we arrived at camp he would cook quail for breakfast and our catch of fish for dinner. He could fix anything and he had the patience of Job. He was so loving and fun to be around. I am so blessed that he was my Uncle, he will be in my heart forever and I will see him in Heaven and hug him again. I will always love you Uncle Pedee and so will Steve, Stevie, Kyle and Tiffany
Angelique Baxley
August 12, 2014
Uncle Pedee~ you were the sweetest man I've ever known~ I will miss you! Love you, Roxie
Roxie Smith
August 12, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss, was so glad I got to see him before he passed,, wish I could be there on wed, but I will in spirit. Love you all so much
Deborah Hansen
August 12, 2014
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