Robert William Hilderbrand

10/04/1931 - 11/17/2010

Robert William Hilderbrand
Robert William Hilderbrand was born on October 4, 1931 at Lompoc Hospital, Lompoc, CA. Our beloved Bob passed peacefully and quietly in his home on November 17, 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was the son of Albert (Hillie) and Alberta (Rudolph) Hilderbrand, long-time Lompoc residents. He was raised in Lompoc and attended local schools, graduating from Lompoc High with the class of ‘49. He was a member of the LHS band and lettered in football as well as serving as a team captain for a season. He will be remembered by his classmates for driving them all around Lompoc in his "cool" car! Bob and his dad Hillie ran a dump truck service together while he was a senior at LHS and upon graduating entered the United States Army, serving in the Korean War from 1951-1953. Upon discharge from the Army, he served for eight years in the Coast Guard Reserves.
When he returned from Korea, Bob entered the work force as a truck driver hauling for local trucking firms as a member of the Teamsters for 35 years. His last six years over the road were for Conoco Transportation. Bob retired in 1994. In addition to being a member of Teamsters Local 381, he also belonged to the American Legion, Korean War Veterans Association, and thoroughly enjoyed the Ham Radio group of Orcutt. He also loved playing golf, especially with his stepson Gary Jairl.
In 1991, Bob married long-time friend Darlene Jairl. They spent 19 great years together, living in Kingman, AZ for 13 years and traveling in their fifth-wheel. They moved back to their old stomping grounds of Santa Maria, CA. in 2008 to be near their families and the great weather here.
Bob leaves his wife Darlene, his step sons Andrew Jairl, Gary Jairl and Dennis Jairl, who truly loved their "Pops", and his loyal furry friends Tootsie and Susie. Also, nephew Dennis (Jan) Ryan of Lake Isabella, CA, niece and family Jan, Sean, and Jacob Walsh, Tricia (Cory) Bowman, all of Missoula, MT., cousin Jeri Baldridge of Green Valley, AZ, cousin Carol (Ken) Calvert of Lompoc, Betty (Wilson) Burrill of Edmonds, WA., sister in-law Shirley (Darryl) Sutherland, Santa Maria, CA., and several nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Patricia Hilderbrand, cousin Jim Huyck, aunt Emma Hilderbrand, aunt Virginia Hilderbrand, wife of 39 years Barbara (Moore) Hilderbrand, and brother-in-law Frank Bognuda.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Neptune Society. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Santa Maria Wisdom Center-Senior Day Health Care, 1414 N. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA (God bless all of you for your loving care of our dear Bob); Marian Hospice team or the Parkinson's Alliance Assn.
Family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of life and memorial for Bob to be held Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Town Center and Country Mobile Home Estates clubhouse, upper level, 1600 E. Clark Ave., Orcutt.
We miss you and know you are safe and well in God's hands now, our dear Pops. You've gained your wings and are soaring with the Angels-Godspeed!