Dennis "Denny" L. Hillard Sr.
March 09, 1944 - November 01, 2021
- Share:
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)
6 responses to Dennis "Denny" L. Hillard Sr.
Ted Royal says:
November 7, 2021
Kathy, so sorry to hear about Denny, although I didn’t know him very well, I know you and you mom. Take care.
Rich Perry says:
November 7, 2021
I first met Denny down at GP where we worked together, later would run into him at Carol’s and most recently I’d often stop and talk with him at Lowe’s where we would catch up on GP and our families. Always good to see him and I’ll miss Denny. RIP friend.
Doug Shepherd and Tim (past teacher Mt.Baker SD) says:
November 7, 2021
Kathy and family, so very sorry to hear of your loss. Miss those days at CCC, when folks were always greeted with a welcoming smile and conversation. We did see Denny working at Lowe’s – still had his welcoming smile! Such a gentle soul. Tim and Doug Shepherd
Jeff Barclay says:
November 8, 2021
I met Denny when I went to work at GP in 1974. We worked together for a couple of years, played a lot of tennis, and shared a large garden on his Dad’s property off the Mt Baker Hwy. Denny will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to Kathy and the family.
Marjorie J Bell says:
November 8, 2021
Kathy and family,
Sorry to hear about Denny. He always seemed like a happy man and he was blessed with a wonderful family and a good life.
Marjorie (Sterud) Bell