David L. Hilderley

1934 - 2017

David L. Hilderley
August 23, 1934 - October 4, 2017
David L. Hilderley, 83, passed away on October 4, 2017, at Larchwood Inns, Grand Junction, CO.
He was born August 23, 1934, in Midland, MI, to Clifton and Gertrude Hilderley.
Dave met his wife, Laura, when they were students at the University of Michigan and they were married in Ann Arbor 60 years ago on August 30, 1957.
After graduating with a BS in Engineering and MBA, Dave joined General Electric as a management trainee and spent his entire career as a strategic planning, product development and marketing executive with GE. Dave's early years on the job required frequent relocations, and he and Laura lived in four states in three years before making Rhode Island their home for almost 50 years. He was an active member of the Greenwood Presbyterian Church in Warwick, RI, including serving as an elder for many years. The Hilderleys later joined the United Methodist Church in East Greenwich, RI.
Dave, Laura and their two children, David Jr. and Susan, thoroughly enjoyed life in New England, especially their many skiing and camping trips and frequent visits to the local beaches. Dave and Laura also traveled farther afield, including Australia, Africa, South America and many parts of Europe.
After retirement, Dave was a dedicated volunteer for the Rhode Island Tourism Bureau and the Providence Public Library. He also had a unique experience as an "extra" in a movie starring Anthony Hopkins and Brad Pitt which was filmed in one of RI's historic waterfront mansions. The only requirement for extras was that they had gray hair and a tuxedo. Dave was well qualified!
In 2013, Dave and Laura relocated to Grand Junction to be closer to family (longtime local residents the Bacheldor clan). He loved his new Colorado home with its friendly people and spectacular scenery and became a member of the Monument Presbyterian Church.
Dave is preceded in death by his parents and his son, David Hilderley, Jr. He is survived by his wife, Laura; daughter, Susan Hilderley of Venice, CA; brother, Clifton Hilderley of Rehoboth Beach, DE; sisters, Johanna Patri of Sonoma, CA, and Jeri Hilderley of New York, NY, and numerous beloved extended family members and friends.
Dave was a kind, gentle, Christian man, devoted to his family and loved by many.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 16, 2017, at Monument Presbyterian Church.
Contributions, in his memory, may be made to Monument Presbyterian Church, 2020 ½ S. Broadway, Grand Junction, CO 81507, or to HopeWest Hospice, 3090B North 12th St, Grand Junction, CO 81506.