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Thomas Hillier
1944 - 2016
Thomas Hillier
1944 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1944
DIED
2016
Thomas Hillier Obituary
September 1, 1944 ~ May 2, 2016
Thomas Frank Hillier fell asleep peacefully at home, May 2, 2016 surrounded by his devoted family. Tom was born in Modesto, September 1, 1944 and lived here most of his life. The son of Frank and Patricia Hillier. His father served his country in World War II as a pilot in the Army Air Corps. This would influence Tom's lifelong passion for flying. During these early years of Tom's life he was lovingly cared for by his mother Patricia and his grandparents Hollis and Nellie Gaultney. He completed his first 12 years of education in Modesto and went on to get his business degree at Pacific Union College in the Napa Valley. It was here he met Marjory Dunscombe who later became his wife.
Tom was anxious to pursue his business career but Uncle Sam had other plans for him. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and spent the next year in Vietnam after training. In 1975 he was able to realize his dream to get in the automobile business and purchased the Ford Dealership in Escalon.
After obtaining their business degrees, sons Todd and David joined their dad at the dealership. These years working with his sons were the happiest of times for Tom.
Tom was known as a loving and kind man who thought before he spoke. Each of his words had meaning and purpose, a trait his family always will strive to emulate. He was adored by his family and respected by all. His honesty and high values in life were part of how he lived his everyday. A prince of a man to the end.
Tom is survived by his wife Marjory and two sons Todd and David, and daughter-in-law Carrie. Three grandchildren, Tatum, Blake and Gavin. Tom leaves his family with a sense of peace and acceptance as he faced death. A faith that will long inspire his family.
His legacy will live on in his children and grandchildren.
Public visitation will be held at Salas Brothers Funeral Chapel on Thursday, May 12 from 6:00pm-8:00pm, 419 Scenic Drive, Modesto. Funeral service will be private.
Memorial donations may be made to Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto, CA 95356.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mark Prince
November 13, 2019
Dear Marjorie, of course I knew Tom's name. I light a candle in my heart for you. Love Mark
Helen Eyssen
December 15, 2018
Marjory, I just read of Tom's passing tonight, and I wanted to pass on my sincerest condolences. It's funny that he and I never met face to face, but I knew he was a special man just by our conversations on the telephone. He certainly helped me maintain my sanity on many occasions! If you should ever need to contact me, you can do so at my email address [email protected] He and my mother Eileen are having some good laughs in Heaven now. Love to you and the boys.
July 9, 2017
Met Tom when he was president of Pacific Union College's Men of Granger (MOG). He had the manners already of a mature gentleman. Several years later I had the pleasure of briefly making the acquaintance of Marjory Dunscombe, Tom's wife to be, then a nursing student at Loma Linda University, who had the most wonderful dimpled smile. And what a pleasure it was forty-some years later for my wife Jan and I to run into the Hilliers at a bash thrown by Stewart Bainum in June of 2012 for his friends from PUC days at an upscale hotel in Beverly Hills. We immediately found so much in common that we agreed to meet for a meal in the Lodi area next time we had occasion to drive through. I'm so sorry we never did. Our most sincere condolences to Marjory on the loss of a super gentleman.
Steve & Terri Baker
June 4, 2016
Visiting our dad, Richard Baker, we learned of Tom's passing and are so very sorry. Our boys, Michael & Rick, went to school with Todd & David. Please know that Tom was loved and that we care deeply. Michael & Todd's friendship ran deep, and drew us closer to your family.
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Bruce and Janie Hinds
May 20, 2016
Yes, a Prince of a man. He had the rare quality of making everyone feel special. We certainly did, he always had that wonderful smile on his face and even on the phone, you could actually hear that smile.
We feel honored to have known him and will keep the family in our hearts and prayers.
Thomas and Lynne mantz
May 13, 2016
Our condlences to the Hillier family Tom was a fellow pilot whose hangar was next to mine at Modesto airport and his wife Marjory was a classmate of my sister in High School. We're sorry for your loss and we'll be praying for you
Greg & Michele Dempsey
May 11, 2016
We are sad to hear of our friend Tom's passing...our prayers & thoughts are with
Marjory & Tom's loving family. Greg & I always enjoyed stopping by the hangar for a good conversation & to catch up. Going to miss his warm smile and demeanor.
Waneta Borden-Redmond
May 11, 2016
Condolences to his sweet family who is.left behind to hold up his legacy. I found Tom to be a man of honor, honesty, & integrity in his life & the way he lived his life & the way he treated his fellow man. We have lost a great man. God gained a good Angel for sure. Thinking of and praying for his loyal wife & family during this time & on. Loved this family so much.
Ron Peters
May 10, 2016
I really enjoyed getting to know Tom over the last year or so. I had the opportunity to give him his last flight review. I will always treasure the memory. May Gods blessings be upon your family. I regret not being able to attend the public visitation as I am out of state.
Tim Fisher
May 10, 2016
Mr. Hillier was generous with his time and humble. He has a hangar space next to me in the H Row and he spent a good long time explaining the plane housed there to me a perfect stranger.. finally, after my queries, he revealed his collection and museum to me. Prayers to his family.
Terry Dunn
May 10, 2016
A Pilots Pilot and a good friend.
Gaty Ervin
May 10, 2016
I enjoyed knowing Tom and occasionally visiting his museum and chatting about airplanes and flying in general. He was always the gentleman.
Rochelle Rosen
May 10, 2016
May his memories be a blessing. I have fond memories of Pat and listening to her share her activities with her grandsons.
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419 Scenic Dr, Modesto, CA 95350
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