Name: Celebration of Life for Dr. Ed Hildebrand
Start: 2017-12-23T00:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-12-23T04:00:00.000Z
Location: University Park Marriott

1946 ~ 2017
After a lifetime of good works and impressive achievements both around the world and inside of his community, Dr. William Edward "Ed" Hildebrand III has moved on to his next great adventure. He passed away at the age of 71 surrounded by his family on 13 Dec following a battle with diabetes and kidney failure.
Ed was born in Harrisburg, PA to William E Hildebrand Jr and Myra S Sheffer and spent his youth in Dillsburg, PA where he excelled in both academics and athletics. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania where he majored in English Literature, competed on the Division I wrestling team, and became a commissioned officer in the US Army through ROTC. Ed served his country honorably as an Airborne Ranger with the 173rd and 101st Airborne Divisions both stateside and while deployed to Vietnam.
After the Army, he moved out to Utah to pursue a career in medicine. Ed attended the U of U Medical School and served his community as an Emergency Room Physician at LDS and IMC Hospitals for 31 years. He was the physician that everyone enjoyed working with because of his humor, storytelling, drive, compassion, and predilection for feeding the staff... especially when things got busy. Though he retired from medicine in 2013 to travel the world and to spend more time fishing at Mesa Falls, he always missed his friends and colleagues at the hospital.
A true renaissance man, Ed was not just a skilled physician, but an avid fly fisherman, outdoorsman, teacher, scholar, linguist, gun smith, soldier, philanthropist, and father.
He is survived by his son, William Edward Hildebrand IV (Miho); step-son, William Bryce Ward (Dianne); three grandchildren; his sister, Nancy Litz; and former wives, Susan Hildebrand and Denise Ward. He also leaves behind his beloved dog, Porter. He is preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to thank the staff and services of Rocky Mountain Care.
Family, friends, and colleagues are invited to attend a celebration in Ed's honor at the University Park Marriott (480 Wakara Way, SLC, UT) Friday, 22 Dec, from 5-9pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune on Dec. 17, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Ed Hildebrand

17 Entries

December 11, 2019

this is a late addition but I was a fraternity brother of Ed's at Penn, and felt a special affinity because I was as Dutch as Ed, came from Hanover, just down the road and remember that the first time I saw his name in the pledge book I knew where he came from because the Hildebrands were a well known family in the Dillsburg area. Ed had so many talents and it is so sad that he left this orb so soon. He was his own man, an independent spirit. I have not been in touch with Ed since we left Penn, but I was always interested in knowing where he was and what he was doing. My condolences to his family. David Buchen

Karen Miller

March 18, 2018

I just learned of Ed's death in Illuminations (School of Medicine Alumni magazine). My deepest condolences to his family and many close friends. I met Ed when I came to Utah in 1982 for my internship, and we had many great conversations and patient care collaborations. I ran into him less frequently over the years, but every encounter began with a big reunion hug and ended with joyful smiles. What a guy! He leaves a void, but no doubt joyful memories and his sage wisdom help fill it.

John Parrish

March 18, 2018

I was both surprised and saddened to read Ed's obit notice in Penn's Gazette. We were in ROTC and fraternity brothers at Penn. Our only service time together was eight weeks training at Indiantown Gap during the summer of 1967. Ed was a natural leader and someone you knew you could count on to finish whatever he undertook. My fondest memory is visiting him in January, 1976, when I was moving from NYC to San Francisco. He drove me around freezing Salt Lake City in his canvas sided jeep with the heater blasting. We had some beers at the Dead Goat Saloon, if memory serves, and told war stories. We saw each other three time after that, and would chat by phone from time to time. I will miss you, Ed. Carry on. brother.

Chris (Hertweck) Seppi

January 6, 2018

I'd like to extend my most sincere sympathies to the family & friends of "Dr. Ed."
I spent many years as a homeroom pal of Ed's. He always sat right behind me. He was so funny--always made me laugh. And was so in love with his yellow MG!
He leaves behind an impressive legacy. So sad that he's gone--much too young. In looking through our high school yearbook, I came across the following quote that might give us some comfort and perspective: "It's not how long you live, but how well."
May he rest in peace. My condolences to all who knew him.

William Sadler

December 22, 2017

I met Ed when I was an undergraduate at the U. of U. in 1974, when we were both trying to get into medical school. I started medical school in 1976, and I didn't see him for a decade until we worked together in 1985 in Shock-Trauma ICU, ( I was a pulmonary fellow and he a house officer), and a number of times in the ER since then. What a great guy!

Kathy Lindsay

December 22, 2017

I am glad that I got to know Ed in the late 70's, before he was admitted to medical school. It was good to know him when he was a phlebotomist who aspired to become a doctor. It was great to see that happen for him. It was interesting to hear how people treated him differently with that change in his status. I am certainly happy that Ed Hildebrand was my friend, and I will always remember him. I definitely believe that Ed is on to his next great adventure!

Merry White

December 21, 2017

Ed was a neighbor in the odd little place we lived in in Salt Lake City. We met in 1975 and were friends for many years after that. I loved his insane sense of humor, his quick intelligence, and his good and generous heart. He was skilled and knowledgeable in so many areas, and was an old school gentleman and a man of honor.

Sharlene Miner

December 21, 2017

Ed was a true gentleman to work with. His life blessed many.

Toby Bowers

December 21, 2017

Ed was a Dillsburg buddy. After he returned from the service, we spent some crazy time together, drinking Foster's Lager at the Gingerbreadman and driving home at 30 mph in his Volvo 544. He tuned up my Porsche Speedster for me and eventually bought it from me. Rest In Peace, Old Friend.

Karen Hancock Wehking

December 19, 2017

I worked with Ed at the InstaCare for many years. I was always so happy when I found out he would be working the same shift. He was so brilliant, funny, and kind to everyone. I have thought of him fondly over the years. He was a wonderful person and will be missed.

Cheers to a great man!

Dianne Sano

December 18, 2017

I loved working with this man at LDSH. He was always so much fun to work with! Happy trails, Ed.

Pam Sheppard

December 18, 2017

I worked with Ed in the ED at LDS. I was a unit clerk and Ed treated me with the same respect he gave the nurses and other physicians. I have always remembered that. A great person gone way too soon. May his family find comfort in all their amazing memories.

Jim Sheaffer

December 18, 2017

Ed was my college roommate and a fellow central Pennsylvanian. He was a funloving and decent guy as well as a good friend. Ed volunteered for the Army and served in Vietnam at a time when that was not popular. He deserves to me remembered and thanked for a lifetime of service. My condolences to his family and friends.

Susan Fischer

December 18, 2017

Dr Hildebrand is the first doc I remember meeting at LDS... he made me feel welcome and special. We immediately connected as Ed told me of his days working on a farm near the small town in South Dakota near where I grew up. I remember thinking what a special giftto make a person feel so comfortable in a new environment with only a few words. I will work to emulate you Ed ☺. We will miss you Ed!!

Brenda Southam

December 17, 2017

I had the privilege of working with Ed at LDS Hospital. Ed was a great physician, mentor, and friend; I'm heartbroken to hear of his passing. I admired Ed's huge heart and selfless ways, which I am sure are continuing on after his passing. To Ed's Family: My love goes out to all of you. Although the pain of Ed's passing will linger on, my hope is that you find peace in knowing that Ed left a legacy of great memories, shared by everyone who had the privilege of calling him friend. Illness prevents me from attending Ed's Celebration of Life in person. My heart, love, and prayers will be with you all as you take time to remember The Great Ed Hildebrand. Love, Brenda Southam

December 17, 2017

I worked with ED in the emergency department at LDS Hospital for over 25 years. I have many fond memories of working together and the fun we all had. Ed had a wonderful sense of humor and was a very compassionate man. Those qualities are what made him such a great physician to work with. My sympathies are with Susan, Denise and his children. He was a good man and will be missed.

December 16, 2017

We cannot imagine the pain your dear family must be experiencing now. Our prayers will include you all. May God give you the ability to cope with your loss. Psalms 94:18-19 *

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