William Hillenbrand

Bill’s passing from us in body is a temporary thing —
What will stay with us through our experiences with Bill, will last until we meet again -

Mr. Hillenbrand was one of my favorite teachers ever. He left a mark on my development that will never fade. He constantly encouraged a rigorous appetite for self improvement and awareness both in and out of the classroom. I feel sorry all those that will not get the opportunity to experience him as a mentor. a dida didup, go with god.

Mr.Hillenbrand was my English teacher senior year at Bolles 96/97. I have wonderful memories of that year in his class. I had reconnected with him via facebook this spring. I was so hoping to meet him for a cup of cafe on one of my trips to Fla and catch up with the best teacher I ever had. I was so saddened to learn today of his passing. He was a great man, a wonderful teacher who truly cared about his students as individuals. The world has lost a special soul who touched the lives of so...

Bill & I coached baseball together for twelve years & were friends longer. He brought a vitality to all he did & infused everyone with a true sense of living in the present. He was complex, intelligent,& kind to many. On the day he left Massachusetts he came by my family's home to give my young son, who Bill called "Wild Thing", his own collection of deer antlers. My son, now grown up & living the life of a committed naturalist & writer, still cherishes this gift. It reflects so much on who...

I will always remember Mr. Hillenbrand as the man who took the time to teach me how to write. I spent countless mornings in his classroom before school learning how to become a better writer. His door was always open and I will forever be greatful to him for that. Even when I didn't have him for English class, it was Mr. Hillenbrand that I went to in the mornings for help with my essays. He always welcomed me in. I learned more from him than any other teacher I've ever had. He was a...

I went to high school with Bill. He was my boyfriend in ninth and part of tenth grades, and a good friend thereafter. I never saw him after we graduated. It was so nice to read of his long teaching career that positively touched so many students. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Hillenbrand family.

Mr. Hillenbrand ended class most days with following, "Eat your vegetables, Say no to drugs, and go with God." I cannot think of a better message for high school students. Mr. H you will be greatly missed. My regret is that I did not say thank you enough. Go with God.

Your mentee and friend,

Dusty

My deepest sympathies to the Hillenbrand family. I was close friends with Bill from 1977-1983 at NMH. I have not seen him since, but his sprit has never left my side. He was my first mentor, and whatever I have become began in the many lessons he taught me about literature and about life. He lived life on his own terms and with great passion, and I will never see his like again. God's speed, Bill. You will remain a powerful presence in all of us who were touched by you.

From the moment we became friends at “The Normal” in 1971, Bill has been a light for me “as cold and as passionate as the dawn.” My measure for scholarship, indomitability, and intense engagement in life, he was an intemperate soul who thought with his heart without sacrificing his precision of mind. He found his way in the world feelingly and was animated by an immeasurable faith in the spirit of youth that he saw mirrored in the faces of his students. Beloved Youth, pass on.