Robert Keith Hilder

Robert was my bishop in the 1980's and I have only known 3 or 4 people in my life that could challenge him as the most wonderful, compassionate person I have ever known. While serving as bishop and with a large family he came to my apartment on Christmas eve, brought me a book on Hugh B. Brown the Apostle and visited for well visited on 1/2 hour. Truly a disciple of Christ.

Without a doubt the nicest, most caring judge to ever take the bench in Utah. Here's an anecdote: I was getting ready to start a second career as a lawyer and since I lived in Park City, I called and left a message on his voice mail (at that time he was the Third District judge for Summit County) about my desire to learn the ropes by possibly clerking for him that Summer (before I even went to law school). He called me back three weeks later and apologized for not getting back to me sooner...

Dear Mrs. Hilder:
I never had the privilege to meet you. I went to law school with Robert, Actually I knew him for a couple of years before we got to law school. I moved to Phoenix after graduation and although I spoke to him occasionally we only saw each other once. A case brought us together for some depositions.
I am not sure I can say anything of real comfort, but I wanted you to know how much I admired and respected Robert. I was proud to tell people that he was a friend of mine....

I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4

Dear Jan & Family:
I was so sorry to hear of Robert's death. I know you know how much I adored this man. I really admired him and am so grateful I had the opportunity to work for him at Christensen & Jensen. He did evoke all of the things that other people have written. Jan, my wish for you is that you will have all the joy you remember from the years you were together and read the wonderful comments people said about him. Read them often and smile or have a cry.
Love

Judge Hilder was an inspiration to me in my quest to attend and complete law school. He was someone to look up to, who was fair and even handed, and who genuinely appreciated people and their situations. Our legal community has suffered a great loss. My condolences to the family.

I went through law school with Robert. We were on the law review together for two years. He was a fine person and a friend. He had some extraordinary personal gifts. He had a quiet dignity about him. He extended himself in genuine friendship to others. He was humble. He will be missed.

It was a pleasure knowing Robert, both as a friend and as a colleague. Whether as advocate/adversary, judge, or mediator/arbitrator, Robert was guided by principles of fairness, humanity, and humility. He was genuine and sincere, and never failed to make me feel valued and appreciated. I suspect that characteristic was common to all of his interactions, marking him for the great guy he was.

My sympathies to his family. Robert will be missed.