Dennis "Denny" L. Hillard Sr.

March 09, 1944 - November 01, 2021

Dennis "Denny" L. Hillard Sr.

March 09, 1944 - November 01, 2021

Obituary

Dennis “Denny” Hillard Sr., age 77, passed away at home on November 1, 2021, surrounded by his family, after a nine-month battle with cancer. However, cancer did not win; he is now at home with his Lord and is no longer in pain.

Denny was born on March 9, 1944 in Seattle, WA to Ella and Ivan Hillard. After graduating from Mt. Baker High School in 1962, he obtained an associate degree from Skagit Valley College in mechanical engineering.

On December 10, 1977, Denny married the love of his life, Kathy (Vander Yacht) Harris, in Lawrence, WA. Denny worked at Georgia Pacific for 21 years, and after retirement, he and Kathy bought Carol’s Coffee Cup from Kathy’s parents. They owned and operated the iconic Deming diner for 13 years. Denny was not one to sit around, so after retiring again, he took a part-time job at Lowe’s for 7 years. He enjoyed working with people, making many friends there, and called it “the best adult day care ever.”

Some of his favorite pastimes included yard work, puttering for hours in his shop, playing golf and softball, or jumping in the car to go for a scenic car ride. He will be remembered for his immense love for family and friends, and his commitment to his Lord and Savior.

Denny is survived by his wife, Kathy Hillard; his 5 children, Dennis Hillard Jr., Don Hillard, Debby Schwab (Nick), Kari Conners, and Craig Harris; 10 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, with another on the way. He is also survived by many other extended family, including his mother-in-law Carol Vander Yacht. He is preceded in death by his father, Ivan Hillard, his mother, Ella Hillard, nephew Josh Vander Yacht, grandson, Michael Corey Hillard, son-in-law, Ed Conners, and father-in-law, Bill Vander Yacht.

Memorial donations may be made to the Whatcom Hospice Foundation.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Greenacres Memorial Park Chapel – 5700 Northwest Dr. Ferndale, WA.

Please share your memories of Denny in his online guestbook.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: November 9, 2021 (2:00 PM - 3:00 PM)
  • Venue: Greenacres Memorial Park - Chapel
  • Location: 5700 Northwest Drive Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)

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6 responses to Dennis "Denny" L. Hillard Sr.

  1. Sandy says:

    Goodbye sweet brother. You are in the arms of Jesus now. Miss you.

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