Birth date: Oct 16, 1953 Death date: Jul 10, 2023
Dale F. Hilliard, age 69, passed away on July 10, 2023, peacefully at home. He was born on October 16,1953, to Virgil and Dorothy (Lakanen) Hilliard. He grew up in Lakeside and resided in the Muskegon area his entire life. Dale's Read Obituary
Vicky, Howie and I enjoy spending time with you guys on several occasions. Sending love and hugs ❤️ Howie and Tamie Foelker
Vicky. My heart is so saddened to hear about dale:: my friend who was so kind to me every time we would see each other ::you two brought joy to me every time dale would tell me of the adventures you guys with you.. I remember the sporting’s banquet there was a 45 caliber gun that dale wanted to win I was sitting next to him I said let’s just say a prayer and you’ll win it and he did that was such a treat . Dale will be in my treasure chest of memories for the rest of my life.. and miss dearly.. prayers for peace to you Vicky and family..
Dale death is a great loss to our family. We will miss him from the bottom of our hearts we love you Dale.. RIP
Dale & I were born on the same day & year at the old Mercy Hospital in Muskegon giving us a unique bond.
As kids our families got together often & we, along with David, explored
Ruddimen Creek & Black Creek near our respective homes. Randy was much younger & I don’t remember him partaking in these adventures.
With time our visits became less frequent as we develop our own lives at separate high schools.
But, one day we discovered our girlfriends worked together at Burger Chief in Muskegon Heights.
This led to us rekindling our relationship. And, these two girlfriends became our wives with whom we would spend the rest of our lives.
Dale & I also spent a few days together in Detroit for our Army physicals. This was quite an experience & we went out on the town not really knowing what was going to happen next.
Dale was close to my parents also. It was my dad who taught Dale how to dress & process a deer.
He also gave Dale a shotgun that had been in the Armstrong family for generations.
As adults, with our own kids, our relationship became more distant again as Debbie & I moved to the Chicago Metro & then to Colorado.
But we did get together occasionally & I fondly remember a July 4th that our families spent together in Petoskey & my folk’s house in Mackinaw City.
Dale would give me a call on occasion, however, such as on our 55th birthdays.
He stated, “This is an accomplishment & deserves a celebration”. I hadn’t thought about it until he brought it up.
Our final visit with Dale & Vicky was at their beautiful home when they so graciously invited our family to stay with them when my mother passed away. We really didn’t have anywhere to stay & Dale, Vicky & I spent hours talking about memories while having a few beverages. I really appreciated, & appreciate, this hospitality!
No one knows what tomorrow will bring. So, enjoy each & every day!
My heartfelt condolences are sent to Vicky, Jennifer & Hilary.
If any of you are ever in Colorado you’re always welcome to stay with us!
This October 16th will be our 70th birthday. And, I’ll make a toast to our good times together & my good friend & Cousin Dale, until we meet again!
Always, Bob & Deb Armstrong & family!
