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Bruce Hilliard Obituary
Bruce Howard Hilliard was born on November 30, 1960 to Barney and Norberta (Arviso) Hilliard in Seattle, WA. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1979. He received his B.S. in electrical engineering from the University of Washington (UW) in 1985.
He worked nine years as an engineering project manager for GTE and US West. He was committed to introducing students underrepresented in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields to STEM educational and career opportunities. For over 25 years, Bruce led Blacks-in-Science in bringing thousands of children of color to the Ron McNair Camp-in at the Pacific Science Center. He served over 20 years as an Executive Board Member for the UW Seattle Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Program. Following his passion for working with students, he earned his Master of Education degree from UW in 2002. Bruce left a lasting legacy on the UW campus and in the community as an academic coordinator in the UW Athletic Department where he worked helping numerous student athletes for over 14 years.
After a battle with prostate cancer, Bruce departed this life on August 9, 2013 surrounded by his family. To cherish his memory he leaves: his daughter, Jessica; two grandchildren, Demetri and Johonna; his parents, Barney and Norberta; four siblings, Rita, Jeffrey, Teri (James) and Tracy; three nephews, James III, Jalen and Brandon; and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Bruce's life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013, 11:00a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church - 820 18th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122. Reception immediately following.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Hilliard
Tracy Brown
August 21, 2023
Bruce, I was out of state in MA when you transitioned. I have returned to Renton/Seattle area. You were a good friend. I remember our U of WA days. It was great to meet you and get to know you. You will always be remembered. Continued prayers to your family and other friends for their loss.
Rest in Heaven
Tracy Brown
Theresa Jordan
August 15, 2020
I miss you Bruce Hilliard, but every time we pray at Mass to all of the saints in Heaven, I know you are among
them. I know you are at peace resting close to the sacred heart of our savior, Jesus Christ. I carry you in my
heart with many cherished memories and smiles. God gave you so many gifts and talents. I can still hear you laugh and see your bright smile. You are not forgotten dear friend but continually loved with fond reverence.
Until we meet again in God's kingdom. I pray for you and your family. Theresa Jordan
Alex Ginzburg
June 23, 2017
I just found out and simply cannot believe it!
We sure had fun while carpooling together.
You were too young to go. You could have done so much more good!
RIP my old mate.
My deepest condolences to your family.
Frances Reckholder
September 1, 2013
My sincere condolences to the HIlliard family. I fondly remember Bruce when we were both attending UW and hung out together. I loved his funny one-liners and find myself repeating it until today ;) I loved his caring and gentle ways. He was a wise young man and gentle when he spoke. When I moved to California, I'd now and then think about Bruce and his lovely family. My heart aches that he is gone. I celebrate fond memories of our friendship and brother/sisterhood we had back at UW. XOXO my gentle friend <3
Gerald Kennebrew
August 28, 2013
My good friend,you will be missed but never forgotten. God bless you and rest in peace. My prayers go out to your family.
Michael Berry
August 27, 2013
A tremendous loss of a wonderful friend, mentor and man. His soul and spirit will always remain in each of us. That smile, that laugh, your belief and support, helped to accomplish even when the odds seemed insurmountable. My friend, Bruce, I wish you peace and eternal comfort. If I could build a stairway to heaven I'd travel the walk with memories just to bring you back home again. My friend you are truly missed.
Rey Lobo
August 26, 2013
I am sadden to hear the loss of a good dear brother/friend Bruce-Bruce today, my condolence to the family, you always had that smile and very kind to everyone and the jokes / laughs we all had, you will be missed my friend. Psalm 23:4 though I walk through the valley of death, I wll fear no evil; for You are with me, May you rest in peace. Class of 1979
RaeShawn Williams
August 26, 2013
My cousin was a mainstay of the Hilliard family who will be truly missed.
Kim Pipkin
August 25, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Bruce was a very nice man. My heart goes out to the Hilliard family.
Kay Knox
August 25, 2013
It was such a shock to learn of Bruce's illness and passing. Our world is a lesser place without you, Bruce. I will always remember your quiet kindness, sense of humor, intelligence and care for those around you, including me. Catching up with you at our last high school reunion was a highlight - your business card is still on my desk. I hold your family deep in my heart, espcially now. I will miss you.
Tracy Brown
August 25, 2013
I met Bruce at the University of Washington. I remember his sense of humor and love for teaching and encouraging young people in math and science fields. He will be missed! Rest in peace....Job well done!
Christopher Sims
August 24, 2013
I was shocked and saddened at the news of Bruce's illness and passing. He was a good friend, community organizer and philanthropist. He was the thread that kept so many of us connected from the engineers to the business majors, police department and fraternity. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. He loved and was well loved as a friend, a father, brother and colleague. I will miss him and so will the rest of 'the boyz'!
Lisa (Johnson) Phillips
August 24, 2013
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Bruce's passing, yet I smile as I think back on our days at Lincoln and the UW. God Bless the family and may he rest in peace.
Tom Hilyard
August 24, 2013
Marti and I were greatly saddened at the loss of Bruce and will miss him as we continue to look for his presence at family reunions. May he find peace and rest in God's care. Tom & Marti Hilyard
August 24, 2013
A gracious gentleman, always greeting our family with kind, open-arms - and with a wonderful smile. Our Love and Sympathy to the Hilliard Family from the Arviso Family
Cabina Miles
August 24, 2013
Bruce was such a caring person and friend of my family for over 20 years. I remember when my daughter was born premature and was in the hospital for a few months, Bruce would come over almost every day and ask if I needed a ride to the hospital and check up on her.He will truly be missed. I wish his family peace and comfort during this difficult time
Bonnie Glenn
August 24, 2013
Bruce truly touched the lives of so many. He is was a true gentleman who cared about people and our community. I will miss his smile. Blessings to his families and friends during this time. In loving memory ... a man lived it forward.
August 24, 2013
You were a bright light to me and so many others. May you continue to shine forever!
Tonjua Miles-Walker
August 24, 2013
Bruce, you were such a special friend to me for so long that I can't imagine life now without you. So glad we kept in touch all these years.....prayers of love and comfort to your family.
Tom, Sarah, & the rest of the family across the street.
August 24, 2013
Bruce was a fine neighbor who never failed to greet us with a kind word, a smile, and a comment about the Husky's most recent exploits. Our deepest sympathies for your profound loss to Barney, Norberta, and the rest of his wonderful family
Gregg Arviso
August 23, 2013
Bruce, you were always extremely kind and gracious and I'm grateful to be your cousin. Go DAWGS!!!
Garry Raymond
August 23, 2013
I'm sorry for the loss of a great man. It's obvious that Bruce's love has reached so many others throughout his life. Yea...we were young and restless in High School but Bruce has made difference in this world. May you find your peace my friend. You will be missed!
Delbert Richardson
August 23, 2013
Bruce, u were one of a kind! Thank u for tireless commitment/efforts for all of the young African American lives u touched... U truly will be missed! ;-(
Delbert Boonie Richardson
August 23, 2013
Bruce was a great dude, who help many young men in the transition from teenager to young adulthood, he will be truly missed.
Ali
August 23, 2013
I am sorry for your loss. We will really miss someone as unique as Bruce. He was a really great guy who loved life and loved his family.
Zabetta Furlough
August 22, 2013
I am deeply saddened by the lost of a true gentleman,friend and scholar. You always give such words of wisdom and encouragement. The beauty, humor and encouragement of your words I pay forward to your family for comfort and great memories of you!
May the Peace of God and Constant Joy of your spirit fill the Hilliard family's soul until we all meet again!!
Holly Jesse
August 22, 2013
With loving thoughts and fond memories, my heart filled thoughts are sent to those family members and friends of Bruce. He was a gentle giant and always present. Bruce had a clever sense of humor and was great listener. Always calm and not easily ruffled, he loved a solid community. His qualities were rare and genuine. He was definitely one of a kind. With grace to you and yours my friend, you will be so respectfully missed. Your memory will stay alive in my heart. I Love You Bruce.
Michael Hall
August 22, 2013
Bruce guce, was a good friend & Bro, told me he had peace with GOD, just said pray for his mom & dad, I ll pray for the whole family & his road dog Darnell Mc D.
August 22, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He will be missed by many.
Janice Melrose
August 22, 2013
Bruce will be missed by me very much. I never will forget the big boom at our LHS Graduation. Bruce was a lot of fun. Our high school reunions will not be the same. Also, Bruce was there for me the last few years, helping me through my illness and the death of my mother. A true friend he was. My prayers are with the family that you will have peace of mind knowing GOD called home an Angel.
August 22, 2013
My heart is broken. My love to your family. I pray that the healing hands of time will be gentle.
Marie Jacobs
August 22, 2013
I will miss my Bruce. He was such an intelligent and humorous person. Every time we saw each other, we would leave each other with a big smile. Rest in peace my friend. I'm praying for the family.
Elizabeth Desiree
August 22, 2013
Bruce was a gentle, mysterious and beautiful person. I feel very privileged to have known him. I will miss him every day of my life. I am sending strength to his wonderful, loving family.
Mark Allen
August 22, 2013
You will be missed my old friend
Tina Derezes
August 21, 2013
My wonderful memories of Bruce from high school and the reunions will truly be cherrished! He was my calculus buddy! I love you Bruce. God Bless.
Theresa Jordan
August 21, 2013
I believe you are resting in the arms of Jesus....dear friend, you left us with so many memories....the LHS class of 79 will never forget
you! You were the best of the best. I always had so much admiration and respect for you. What an awesome sense of humor, compassion,
and love for his friends...I'm deeply saddened to learn of his struggle with prostate cancer. My sincere condolences for his entire
family. We will deeply miss Bruce.
God Speed My Friend, Theresa Jordan
August 21, 2013
I am greatly saddened today to learn that
our friend Bruce left us for a higher calling. Bruce was always a great friend,gentleman and had a great gift
to make you laugh. He was a true friend,
and he made you feel loved and apreciated. I am saddened to learn of
his struggle with prostate cancer. My
sincere condolences to all of his family.
I will always remember his great smile,
compassioin, friendship and the LHS class
of 1979 will never forget him! We love
Bruce Hilliard, this comes very much
of a shock. We will truely, truely miss
him. God speed my friend! Until we meet
again in Gods eternal kingdom, I will never forget you.
Love......Theresa Jordan
Marin
August 21, 2013
Even though I have only seen Bruce a few times since high school, I will always remember his dry wit which definitely passed over most of our heads. He was a no nonsense kind of guy and I have always had a soft spot for him. Goodbye, Pilgrim, I will miss your presence in this world.
Gretchen Jolly
August 21, 2013
To the Hilliard Family,Pierre and I are so sorry for the loss of your son. Our prayers are wtih all of you at this time .
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