Obituary

James “Smitty” Hillaire, age 86, passed away on July 29, 2021 at his home in Bellingham, Washington.

Smitty was born on May 2, 1935 to Richard and Zeta (Paul) Hillaire. He graduated high school and culinary arts school and completed several other college classes. On July 21, 1961, he married Lutie L. George in Bellingham, Washington.

Smitty was a big supporter of all family and school events like sports and choir performance. In his younger years he was always a hard worker, from fishing with his brother, construction running heavy equipment, and logging, then in later working for the Lummi tribe as maintenance, cultural director, and even serving on council.

Later in his 80’s, after retiring a few times, he worked at Lummi tribal school as cultural director. He loved traveling to pow wows all around United States and Canada and even China for culture exchange. In recent years, he especially enjoyed Blackhawks team sports from football to track and basketball. In the past couple of months, he loved watching his grandson Russ’s baseball team, Wolfpack.

Canoe journey was a big part of his life, too. He raced canoes, and later enjoyed traveling to watch the races.

Smitty always greeted everyone with the big smile. He had a kind and giving heart. His granddaughter Jessica shared that he was the best hug giver. He will be remembered by his willingness to support us all in whatever the family might be doing, from culture events, birthdays, and holidays. His storytelling was the best, always ending with a laugh that was so contagious.

Smitty is preceded in death by his parents Richard Hillaire and Zeta Paul, and his siblings Henry Penny Hillaire, Theresa Thomas, Eva Finkabonner, Helen Wilson, Richard Hillaire, Frank Wad Hillaire, and Georgianna Bregsma.

He is survived by James R. Hillaire & wife Shiela, Edward A. Hillaire & wife Debbie, Elaine Roberts & husband Loren, Lucetta Grant & husband Neil, Willetta George, 17 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and several adopted children and grandchildren.