RICHARD HILLIS

It was a long time ago and I knew you too briefly, at the University of Victoria, 1977. As I recall, you were in Education, and reading Kierkegaard at 21. I was a year older, mourning the recent death of my 20 year old sister. You got that, where others had no idea what that really meant.

I remember your calm, classic smile, after all these years. You read one of my stories and surprised me by taking issue with a character's behavior. Astute, fair criticism, the kind of honesty that makes for true friendship. I remember you worrying you were wasting your time at UVic, but at least you had met a poet. No, Rick you were the writer, and I rejoiced in your success, from afar. Adieu, my friend.

May your family be comforted in your memory, and in each other's loving support. Sincere condolences beyond words, beyond understanding.

Sending our love and prayers to Uncle Lyle Auntie Joyce and family. Rick was a very special person and will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Rick will be missed your in our prayers during this sad time...

May your son's memories last you a lifetime and may the good Lord give you peace and be your side during your bereavement. Wish I could give you both a big hug right now - close your eyes and pretend you can feel my arms around you. God is holding you right now and walking with you as your mourn your terrible loss. With love, Marilyn and Larry Weinstein (Bowie, MD)

bare feet,jeans, guitar and the largest smile is etched in my mind forever, Sending love to Uncle Lyle, Auntie Joyce, and the whole family and extended families Rick touched in person and through his writings . rest well Cuz

We have been with you in thought and prayer since we heard the sad news

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this very emotional time. So sorry to hear of Rick's passing.
The Yorke's (Cudworth, Sk.)

We were so sorry to hear of Rick's death. I know he will be missed by those that knew and loved him; and appreciated his talents and teachings. Our sincerest sympathies to the Rick's family and extended family

We were stunned by the news and our prayers and thoughts are with Emily and Rick's family.
Maryl and Bill Hitchings, Wyndmoor, PA (Emily's Aunt)

Over the last dozen years I have known the most genuine and humble friend. Always more concerned and interested in everyone else with the biggest, giving heart. I will miss but never forget your songs and music shared, your creative influence and most of all your infectious laughter. You have built many boats with a fair curve from a noble plan..., Sail On dear friend. Rest peacefully.

Last Spring Rick threw the finest surprise birthday party for his wife Emily that our little town has seen for some time. He really loved Emily and loved bringing friends into the warmth of their relationship, and we in Greencastle will remember with gratitude occasions of this sort that Rick was part of.

He gave me a beachball to throw into the air the day of graduation.

Always one to abide by and share my disinterest in rules, Rick Hillis was his own kind. I remember having disagreements with him and going back home and feeling angry, but always, always feeling challenged, and always, always a better writer for it. My freshman year, he exalted me by saying that a poem of mine was the kind of stuff you see published in "Poets & Writers." He was never the kind to give me unnecessary compliments like that, and years later, I still search for that same possession in my work.

He was softspoken, even if offhandish; keen, even if quiet; he was sharp and intuitive and oh, he challenged. How he challenged. I was obsessed with Wes Anderson at the time (I still am, but that's besides the point), and every script I wrote was modeled after something Anderson-y. I remember Rick taking me aside one day and saying, "Why don't you write about yourself? You've had all these crazy adventures in all these countries. Most people would trade places with you in a second." I didn't think so then, and it took me 6 years to realize that writing about what I really knew was the most fun, and the most rewarding. If he hadn't put it so bluntly, I don't know if I'd ever have seen it so clearly.

I'm going to miss you, Rick Hillis. You brought me together with some of my best friends in the classes I had with you, and made me some of my most memorable experiences at DePauw. This is a terrible loss, but I'm grateful I had the chance to study with you, and I'm lucky I had the chance to learn from you.

Is there anything more comforting, sometimes, to know that when you step to the other side, there'll be these people, oh, there'll be these people waiting there for you who made it there first, people you've loved and missed, and they'll make it a little more comfortable and a little less lonely and a little less scary and a lot more safe.

Lyle & Joyce, our deepest sympathy on the sudden loss of your son.
Barry & Jeanne Czinkota, Saltcoats SK

Rick Hillis is my great nephew by marriage, and I find it such a shame to lose such a talented man, who had so much to offer to society. May you rest in peace.

Our condolences are extended to the Hillis families
Rick was a fine young man and will be missed by all who knew him
From the Pearson families

Oh Rick, my heart felt sympathy goes out to your family and friends... You will he missed terribly.
High school pal,
Nancy (Cornell) McCurdy

I met Rick when he worked one summer at the Regional Psychiatric Centre in Saskatoon. I've remembered him ever since. He told me he was a writer and he just seemed like one of the nicest guys you would ever meet. I'm so sorry to hear that he's gone so young. I intend to read his books.

Rick Hillis was a fine writer and person; his Limbo River contains brilliant stories.