Elwin Stanley Hillius

Elwin died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on July 29, 1934 in Bellingham, WA to Stella (Stuurmans) Hillius and Elten H. Hillius. Elwin married Esther Pearson in 1966 and they had 3 children. He also had 3 children from a previous marriage. Elwin lived his entire life in Whatcom County, attending local schools, and graduating from Bellingham High School in 1952. He worked as a pipefitter at the Bellingham Shipyard, working on minesweepers. He spent 32 years driving fuel trucks for Diamond ‘B’. Elwin spent his summers on commercial fishing boats, fishing Alaska waters and Puget Sound. He loved the water, whether it was commercial fishing or sport fishing. He started his fishing career at age 16 out of Friday Harbor on the ‘Denny M’ ending on the ‘Joseph’ out of Bellingham in 1975. Elwin and Esther loved to travel and took may trips to Maui, loving every moment they spent there. They also traveled with their children, visiting many places where there was either a beautiful beach or a mountain. Cannon Beach became a family favorite. Elwin was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1974. He loved his door to door service, sharing his hope for the ‘Paradise Earth’ promised in the Bible. He also enjoyed gardening and watching sports. Elwin leaves his wife Esther of 49 years; daughters Shannon Bunker (Tod), Daphne Rasmusson (David); son Scott Hillius (Sasha Nielsen); granddaughters Kelci and Mya Rasmusson and Mica Renee Hillius; sister Gertrude, all of Whatcom County. Daughter Rhonda Lane (Scot); sons Randy Hillius (Kris) and Robert Hillius (Josphine); grandsons Joshua and Jayson Lane and Jacob Hillius; granddaughter Taylor Hillius, all of Pierce County. Granddaughter Sharna and Amber Hillius; great grandchildren Austin, Lilly, Parker and Leif. He is also survived by numerous relatives of Lynden. Elwin was preceded in death by his parents, brother Pearson, and son Richard. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 3:00 pm at The Kingdom Hall, 1525 Electric Ave, Bellingham, followed by a reception from 4:00-5:30pm at Moles Farewell Tributes, 2465 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham.

Elwin Stanley Hillius

July 29, 1934 - October 25, 2015