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
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6 Entries
October 16, 2017
Paul Derkson
I loved you Charles - You will always be in my heart - Paul
July 29, 2017
Sharron Williams
Charles was my neighbour for a number of years. He was a wonderful man & he & Vicky will be missed
July 14, 2017
Charles will be sadly missed by all the members of Kerrisdale Senior Singers choir.
July 12, 2017
Don Manning
I was privileged to know Charles (Charlie to some0 as a neighbour in Vancouver, and during those days visited him and Winnifred at their home, and also as a member of Point Grey Golf Club. A gracious man, grateful to have known him. God Bless!
July 11, 2017
Nicki Collingwood
Mr. Hillman was my very well-liked Math teacher at Churchill High School in the 1960's. My sister says he was the only teacher she remembered. Many years later I came to know & admire Charles while volunteering with Vancouver Heritage Foundation. He was a delightful person.
July 10, 2017
Anne Monahan
Our wonderful Charles - what a great and good man - gone but he will never be forgotton,
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