Obituaries

HILLS, Donald (Don) Eric

Donald (Don) Eric Hills was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on December 12, 1944 to his parents John (Jack) and Hilda Hills. He grew up there and began a lifelong career in sales, starting at Sears. He made many strong and lasting friendships there and was so happy to have reconnected with some of the friends over the past few years.

Don married his first wife, Sharon, in 1965 and they moved to Thunder Bay, ON, where their first child, Patti, was born in 1968. They moved back to Moose Jaw shortly after to be closer to family and friends. They adopted their second daughter, Lisa, in 1971.

After Don and Sharon parted ways, he fell in love with Deana Willsey and the two were married in 1978 in Kelowna. Together they had two wonderful children, Cara, born in 1977, and Cassidy, born in 1979. Don was a very proud father and was always involved in whatever his kids were doing.

Don continued his career in sales with Hudson’s Bay Wholesale, Shaben International and most recently, CTG Brands, Inc. He worked many years with each company and was a very loyal employee. He was at CTG for the last 24 years and continued to work right up until his last days doing the job he loved. Don built many strong friendships with his customers and coworkers. He loved telling stories and his visits and phone calls would often last for hours. He never forgot a face or a name and became fast friends with strangers that he could tell were “good people”. He was generous beyond words and helped many people over the years.

One of Don’s greatest experiences was travelling to Europe where he visited many battlefields where his Dad fought during WWI, as well as some of the concentration camps from WWII. He was passionate about history and felt so much compassion for those impacted by war. On a trip to Poland, he met a young girl named Iwonia who became like a daughter to him. Their special friendship brought him much joy.

Those who knew Don were aware of his love for airplanes, cars and trains. He was an avid model railroader for many years of his life. He and his son, Cass, spent long hours just driving through the countryside together; those were some of his favourite moments. They also spent a lot of time together at the gun range with their good friends where they shared their passion for shooting and story telling.
Don was immensely proud of his family and would brag about them to anyone willing to listen. He was never too busy to pick up the phone and talk for hours or to go for long coffee visits with friends. He has left a lasting impact on many people throughout his lifetime and he will be dearly missed by anyone who was lucky enough to call him a friend.

Don was predeceased by his parents Jack and Hilda, his sister Jacqueline (Nancy) and his precious granddaughter Alyssa. He will be lovingly remembered by his children Patti, Lisa (Joe), Cara (Bob) and Cassidy as well as by his grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Alex, Kaitie, Lily, Eliza and Griffin. He will be missed by his cherished cat, Glock, his ex-wife, Deana, and many other extended family and dear friends.

Don did not want a funeral service so we ask that you honour him in your own way and cherish the memories he left you with. If so desired, donations can be made to the BC SPCA (http://support.spca.ca/memorial), as Don loved animals (especially cats) almost as much as he loved people.

Condolence Messages

Jan 24, 2023
To all of Don's family

Sorry to hear. He helped me out as the best salesman I had when opening

my Dollar store. I have many good memories. My Prays and Love go out all of

his family. - Evelyn Hurry
Jan 23, 2023
To Don's Family,

So very sad to read this news about Don. I had the great pleasure of working with Don at HBW during the 1980's...we had a such a great crew and had so many laughs, I miss those days. If anyone was born to be a salesman, it was Don, he had such a natural connection with anyone he met. Always great having conversations with Don. He was a good man, and I know how important his family was to him. Thinking of you All at this time and sending my condolences.

Mark Smith - Mark Smith
Jan 23, 2023
We were so sad to hear about Don's passing. He was a wonderful man.His stories would keep everyone entertained and he truly cared about others.We always looked forward to Don and Cass joining us at most of our holiday "family" dinners. He will be missed. - Lynn and Don Biro
Jan 23, 2023
We’re very sorry to hear this very sad news. We fondly remember our working, volunteering, and socializing together in the Regatta days. Our thoughts and prayers are with Deana and Don’s family.

Carl & Marg - Carl Stef
Jan 21, 2023
Our condolences to the family. Rest in Peace our friend. Zeno & Sandy
Jan 21, 2023
Very sad to hear of Don's passing, he was a great guy always good for a few laughs. First met Don when I was working at IGA in Winfield. Always a good story or made time to talk. Mark /Julie Saukarookoff Oyama.
Jan 21, 2023
Deana

I remember meeting you and Don when he purchased a very rare and beautiful new Monte Carlo in 1979 from me when I worked for the Chev dealer. I have fond memories of Don as we would opften meet and talk cars and life in the Okanagan. Don had a very generous spirit! He left me with a rare specially marked $100 bill just before he drove away from the dealership, I have never forgotten this.

I wish the very best for you Deana - Dave Young, Calgary
Jan 20, 2023
Oh my.

I met Don when he worked at Hudson Bay Wholesale and cherished our coffees over the decades.

I will remember Don for his great sense of humour and enduring kindness.

Don Grant, Peachland
Jan 20, 2023
Although our paths haven’t crossed for some time I always remember him very fondly from our days on the Regatta board and beyond. In fact just last week I shared a story about one of our crazy dinners with him and Deana. Don, Carol and I will miss you. Meeting you and your family was one of Our lives true pleasures. - Paul Meise