Maurice C. Hilburn

Maurice Hilburn Obituary

Maurice C. Hilburn (Maury) Age 76, of Tacoma, passed away peacefully on 18 April at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle. An avid gardener, birder, aviation enthusiast, and history buff, Maury rose from humble beginnings in Whiteville, NC to travel the world as a Lt. Col. in the USAF and with his globe-trotting adventurer wife of 47 years, Rosalie. Maury enjoyed a second career with Boeing, and upon retirement in 1996 became a full-time volunteer at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge; he devoted his remaining time to his spectacular gardens at his residence in Tacoma. Maury was also renowned for his rapier wit, entertaining Christmas letters, and love of good food and drink while hosting parties for family and friends. Maury is survived by Rosalie, his daughter Katherine, son James, and four grandchildren. The Hilburn family respectfully requests donations be made in Maury's name to Friends of Nisqually NWR, 100 Brown Farm Road, Olympia, WA 98516. As the final chapter closes on a life well-lived, Maury will forever be remembered by family, friends, and neighbors... all will miss that white-haired man on the hill.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Apr. 24, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Maurice Hilburn

4 Entries

Nanette Schell

April 18, 2025

I don't know if Roselie will get this message or read the previous ones, but each one is sent with love.
The days on Okinawa with friends such as Maury and Roselie have always been happy memories.
We would share stories about our lives both in the Air Force and outside as well as having parties at one another's homes. Their son was in a highchair and Catherine was just going to kindergarten when we met. I have many pictures of our time together and whenever I look at them, I remember the happiest of times shared.
Rest in Peace.... Maury you left us too soon.
Nan

Nanette Schell

April 23, 2024

It is never too late to remember someone.
I remember Maury and Rosalie going back to our days on Okinawa. We lived a few doors away from one another off base while our husbands were with the USAF at Naha Air Base.
Maury was always the life of the party as well as being a great host.
We enjoyed listening to Maury playing base horn which he played as an exceptional musician.
Maury was one of those people one never forgets as life goes on.
Barry died in 2015 but he often spoke of Maury in kind terms over the years.
Sincerely. Nan Schell.

Keith Dahlgren

April 25, 2011

Cast parties for Rosie's shows were wonderful at that 'house on the hill' because of Maury's excellent skills and warmth as a host. He will be missed.

Ron Wardell

April 25, 2011

I have wonderful memories of times spent with Maury in the 1961-1962 time frame at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. May he rest in peace. Ron Wardell, former Captain, USAF