David Hillier

1934 - 2022

Our precious husband, father and grandfather, David Brown Hillier, passed away April 22, 2022 at the age of 88. He was born early on a cold winter morning, January 15, 1934 in Hoytsville, Utah, the youngest child born to Robert and Minerva Hillier. He had two older sisters, Mary and Afton, and two older brothers, Lowell and Robert, along with an older sister, Gloria, who died as a baby before David was born. David was born during the great depression. His father passed away when he was nine years old so the family struggled financially. They never had many worldly things but the family worked together and, as David said, they were blessed with many other things that were more important.

David lived in the same house he was born in until he left home for college. His younger years were filled with many good friends and teachers that had a great influence on his life. David was a hard worker and worked as a farm hand, grocery store clerk, sign painter, grounds keeper, and other things to help his family.

After high school he attended BYU in Provo until he was called to serve a mission in Norway. He loved his mission and the Norwegian people. He later graduated from BYU with a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology. He worked in Brigham City as a speech clinician and then was employed as a professor by Ricks College. He enjoyed his work there as well as his associations with so many good people.

David met Crystal Smith while they were attending BYU in Provo. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1957. He always said that was the best decision he ever made. They were blessed with three girls and three boys: Debra Jones (Ronald), Brenda Slaugh (Leslie), Cheryl Carstens (Monte), Stephen (Lark), Eric (Shelly), and Dale (Sherri). The family now includes 23 grandchildren and 49 great-grandchildren.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was always an important part of David's life. He served in various callings but his favorite was the time he served as a presidency member in the Language Training Mission when it was located in Rexburg. It was a joy for him to be able to share his love of the Norwegian language and people with newly called missionaries.

David loved to travel. Throughout his life he visited 29 different countries and made friends all over the world. He and Crystal were able to serve three missions together in Austria, Salt Lake Temple Square, and Family History in Rexburg.

David lived a full and good life. The last years were difficult for him as his health deteriorated and he wasn't able to travel and do the things he loved but he was always positive and a blessing to his family and wife Crystal.

The family expresses special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at The Homestead Senior Living Center in Rexburg. They showed sincere love along with their competent care.

Funeral services will be Saturday, April 30, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rexburg 16th Ward building, 612 S. Hidden Valley Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440. A viewing will be held at the chapel prior to the services from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m.. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.flammfh.com