Charles HILLMAN

HILLMAN, Charles Henry

August 26, 1917 - June 28, 2017


Our dear Charles died in his home, in peace, just as he had wished. Charles was born in Toronto, Ontario, and educated in Bracebridge and Toronto where he earned his teaching degree. His first job was a one-room schoolhouse in the Muskoka Lake Region at Glen Orchard with students from grades 1-12 – a task which helped form the incredible man and teacher he became.
Charles moved to Vancouver in the 1940s, teaching first in several elementary schools before Winston Churchill Secondary as Department Head of Mathematics. He ended his teaching career as principal of Emily Carr Elementary School. Charles had a reputation as a caring and gifted teacher so it was seen that many of his former students – particularly those from Winston Churchill – maintained friendships with him throughout his retirement.
This man was a Whistler Mountain proponent long before its opening in 1965. There were new friends, and because of his graceful skiing skills, Charles was a member of the ski patrol when Creekside gondola made its first trip. Charles owned ten acres on Nita Lake and spent every holiday taking loving care of his Shangri-la. He was also a long-time member at Point Grey Golf Club.
Charles was predeceased by his sister, Bette Thompson, and two wives, Winnifred Mather Hillman (1992) and Virginia O'Brien Bentzen (2005). He is survived by his nephews Neil (Judy) Thompson and Jim (Merilyn) Thompson, great-nephews Steve (Adrienne) and Paul (Eranthie) Thompson, great-niece Julie (Dave) Fox, nephews-in-law Tom and Ted Cragg, and his stepdaughters Deirdre Schueppert, Maureen Sullivan, Tracy McLaughlin, and Kathleen O'Brien.
Many thanks to many, many friends who enriched Charles's life with their visits, but in particular to Dr. Ted Hunt, Dr. Rosemary Cragg, stepdaughter Tracy McLaughlin, and his wonderful caregivers Vicky, Angie, and Felly.
Memorial service for Charles will take place on what would have been his 100th birthday, Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church Cathedral, 690 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC. The Very Reverend Dr. Peter G. Elliott, Dean and Rector, officiating. Flowers gratefully declined in favour of donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (BC & Yukon Division) at www.cancer.ca.

Walkey & Company Funeral Directors 604 738-0006