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BORN
1928
DIED
2016
Harry Hilton Obituary
Rupe Hilton, age 87, died unexpectedly at his home in Shoreline on April 1, 2016. Born in Wenatchee on June 16, 1928 to Harry R. Hilton Sr. and Elizabeth Reich, he was preceded in death by his younger brother Carl and his first wife of 42 years, Leona. Rupe loved his friends and family, which included his wife of 18 years Nancy Owen, son Scott (Diane), daughter Holly Hilton-Jones (Jonathan), stepsons Mark, Steve, Mike, and Jeff Owen, ten grandkids and four great-grandkids.
Rupe was a simple man with a big heart who loved to make others feel special. He was a humble follower of Jesus. Every day he read the Bible, prayed, and served. He worked at Sears for 44 years, served his country during the Korean War, played "Santa Claus" at The Bon, and was an active member of Richmond Beach First Lutheran Church. He considered every day a gift and lived life with joy and purpose (and gave paybacks to those who had it coming). Rupe's legacy lives on in the lives of the hundreds of boys he led in BSA Troop 85. Rupe also spent 40 summers at Camp Brinkley, showing everyone there how to have fun. He told you how he felt, what he liked and didn't like, and let you know the truth, even though it might hurt. He will be deeply missed on earth, but we look forward to being with him in Heaven.
Please sign Rupe's guest book at www.legacy.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rupe's memory to The Forgotten Children's Fund or the BSA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harry Hilton
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Rupe got me started!
Santa Russ Long
May 16, 2016
Rupe helped me start my career as Santa. After semi-retiring at a fairly early age, I was talking one day with Pastor Doug Langholz at Magnolia Lutheran Church and he suggested to me that I could become a Santa. He said I should talk to Rupe who could give me all the details of what it means to be a Santa and how to get into the business. Well I followed his advice and have now been a Santa for 18 years, and I'll always remember Rupe as a great man who got me going in that direction.
Santa Rupe with my daughter Sarah
Mark Owen
April 30, 2016
Rupe was not only my best friend but he was my step father. What a blessing he was in my life! My first memory of Rupe was in Troop 85 when my family couldn't afford to send me to Camp Brinkley for summer camp. Rupe asked his American Legion Post if they would pay my way. They did and thus began a yearly scholarship in Troop 85 where his American Legion Post would sponsor a Scout or sometimes two or three Scouts so they could attend camp. Rupe just spent his time helping others, and he never cared for any praise in return.
Rupe made everything in Boy Scouting fun and meaningful. He would cry in front of everyone when we did well at the Camporee. He took us on several 50 miler hikes when no other adult would. He would even let us pick the place. He never cared where we went, he just loved being outside. He was as tough as they come. He always had the heaviest pack and would take even more gear from kids if they were struggling. He never complained, always smiled, always praised us when we did good and would quietly take us aside when we didn't. His life was one of the most wonderful kind of service and everyone knew it who was around him.
For someone who should have died of spinal meningitis when we was four (it blinded him in one eye) he was brought back from the dead as they were reading last rites over him. Rupe always believed that he was allowed to live a full life to lead boys in Boy Scouts. It was his calling and no one did it better.
In his last 20 years on earth Rupe read the Bible and prayed daily. Many times on campouts or trips around town he would take care of his daily reading before starting the day. He would always share something he learned or how it touched him or made sense to him. He was just the best role model for me. God put him close to me to show me and teach me about devotion, being on time, holding the door for a lady, saying please and thank you. He never stopped teaching me right up until his death. The last few years of his life he was often say to me, "Mark, I could die tomorrow and be perfectly happy knowing I did on earth what God wanted me to do."
He will forever be missed until that day when I join him in Heaven and we renew our friendship and he can start teaching me all over again. Well done Rupe! Thanks for being the best friend, buddy, step father, I could ever dream of having!
Tom Jensen
April 22, 2016
I knew Rupe for many years at work and what I remember most was how pleasant a conversation with him was. I can say that everyone I knew loved working with Rupe.
Jason Parsley
April 22, 2016
Rupe was the kind to never let you get away with less than you were capable of and was an example for scouts everywhere. Many great memories of him at camp over the years. Rupe will be missed but not forgotten.
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Rob Bowker
April 19, 2016
I always looked forward to Rupe and his boys every summer I worked at Brinkley. I can honestly say that I have nothing but VERY fond memories of him. We will miss him dearly.
Ray Sayah
April 18, 2016
I've known Rupe since about 1989 through Aurora District Camporee and Camp Brinkley. What a class act. I know for a fact that there are thousands of people who remember him, whether it be from a momentary encounter while he played Santa, or a lifetime of meetings. I'll never forget you Rupe!
Dave Buterbaugh
April 18, 2016
Rupe you will be missed here at scout camp
Rang ranger Dave
Michael Ray
April 18, 2016
He wouldn't remember me - but I remember him. And fondly. He was goodness. Letting boys develop relationships with men like him is what makes scouting good.
April 17, 2016
Love you Father Dear
Rupe and Nancy
Jill Owen
April 17, 2016
Rupe and Nancy
Jill Owen
April 17, 2016
Louis and Claudia Isquith
April 17, 2016
Rupe was a wonderful and enthusiastic leader of Magnolia's Boy Scout Troop 85. Our boys, Benjamin and Daniel, earned their Eagle Scout rank under his guidance and we all have wonderful memories of their scout adventures. We send our sincere sympathy to his family.
Louis and Claudia Isquith
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