Rick A. Hilliard's Obituary
Oh my sweet Rick Alfred Hilliard, I wish I didn’t have to finish this story that I started in 2018 when we found out about your stage 4 cancer that metastasized to your brain. You fought one hell of a fight, and right to the end you lived by our motto, “commit and go”.
The world was blessed that January day in 1955 when Richard and Shirley (Wheater) got to first hold their baby boy! Born in Muskegon and raised in Spring Lake during your younger years, you then became employed by Eagle Ottawa Leather Company, then worked many years as a landscaper.
When God called you home, you had been surrounded by your loving family and friends. Never leaving your side were your beautiful daughters, Melanie (Chris) Pastor, Jennifer (Jeff) Slack and Patti (Steven Vetter) Johnson; brothers, Jeff (Tina) Hilliard, Randy (Bev) Hilliard; sistra, Lori (Alec) Schultz; sisters-in-law, Jane (Dick) Hilliard, Rachel Klopp, Melody Klopp; grandchildren, Chelsey, Dakota, Aaron Jr. and Brook (Dusty); great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Aaron III, Nevada and Ziggy; and many nieces and nephews.
We will forever miss your laugh, love and humor. Fishing, hunting and camping trips will never be the same, and I am sure several will be wondering about your secret morel mushroom spots. We sure enjoyed watching the Tigers, Lions and Red Wing games as well as our seasons at M.I.S. You especially loved our favorite place in the U.P. crossing the bridge was always very special to you.
Please kiss mom, Shirley and dad, Richard when you get there, along with sister, Ruth (Jake) Hinton; brother, Dick Hilliard; maternal grandparents, Alfred (Gertrude) Wheater; and paternal grandparents; Newton (Tillie) Hilliard. You know your nephew, J.R. Hilliard will have a big hug for you too! I can also see you and Bobby Reams revving it up in no time.
We will watch the sunrises, sunsets, and especially pay attention to the moon. Thank you for the happiest day of my life in May of 1996 when I became your wife. Our hearts are broken and life will never be the same. We will live by our motto, and never forget.
Until we are together again, we will love you forever and ever and always, with everlasting love,
your wife,
Laura (Klopp) Hilliard & the entire family.
Visitation will be held from 2-4:00 PM on Saturday, August 12, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3225 Roosevelt Rd., Muskegon, MI 49441. A Memorial Service will start at 4:00 PM with a luncheon to follow. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.systsemafh.com.
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