Gerald M. Hilby

1929 - 2010

Jerry was born on March 27, 1929 in Spokane Washington to John S. Hilby and Agnes O'Halloran Hilby. He died in his cherished Manhattan Beach home on the Strand on September 2, 2010. Jerry would be disappointed in having missed his tee time that morning. He took participation sports very seriously. Jerry lost his right arm as a child of 9, but this didn't hold him back a whit. He was determined and self reliant. Athletically, he did everything and certainly didn't expect anyone's help. He began his professional career as a history teacher in Spokane, WA, then moving to Redlands, CA and finally at Aviation High School in Manhattan Beach. He learned (the hard way) he could earn more money for less work as a lawyer, and have time and resources for community volunteerism. He had a general law practice in Redondo Beach, retiring in 1985. In retirement, he managed his investments, and travelled widely to golf, ski, hunt, and enjoy the world. Longtime Manhattan Beach residents will remember his home as the garden spot of the Strand. Poker players will remember Friday games at his house. In addition to civic improvement in the South Bay, Jerry was a steadfast advocate of education. Education made a big difference in his life, and he worked hard to extend educational opportunities to others, both in the South Bay, and for his 5 grandchildren. Jerry received his BA from Washington State University in 1952 his JD from Loyola University in 1960. His civic contributions were inspiring, including: Trustee, South Bay Union High School District; Trustee, El Camino College (18 years); Director, South Bay Bar Association; Trustee, Southwest Criminal Bar Association; Judge Pro Tem for the Inglewood and South Bay Municipal Courts; District Attorneys Advisory Council, County of Los Angeles; Member, Los Angeles County Environmental Control Committee; Member, Los Angeles County Beach Advisory Committee; Member, Planning Commission, Manhattan Beach; Past Chairman, Board of Zoning Adjustment, Manhattan Beach; Trustee, South Bay Hospital; Past President , Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce; Board of Directors' Redondo Beach Round Table; Board of Directors, Alcoholism Council of the South Bay; Member, Board of Managers for the South Bay YMCA; Past Treasurer, Lincoln Republican Club; Past President, South Bay Athletic Club. Jerry is survived by his two children; Larry Hilby and wife Louise in Manhattan Beach, Heidi Bush and husband Roger in Seattle; 5 grandchildren: Meredith, Daniel, Morgan, Duncan and Ian; and his younger brother Leslie Hilby and wife Molly in Liberty Lake, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an older brother, Jack. Memorial Service will be held Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 1PM at White and Day Chapel, Manhattan Beach with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers please send remembrances to: The American Stroke Association, 1710 Gilbreth Rd., Burlingame, CA 94010-1795 or a charity of your choice. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send the family messages, share memories, or to obtain directions to the services. Check back to view the online video tribute.