Bryan Hilbig

The world lost a warrior on July 8, when Bryan Hilbig, passed away. His sudden heart-attack shocked the family and friends who never knew him to slow down. At 65 years old he was still up and ready to put in a 10+ hour day at work for weeks at a time without a break. He would end his long days with a leg kicked up on the couch and beer in his hand. His wife and soulmate, Tina, would have a warm supper cooked for him and he would enjoy some tv while relaxing and eating. But, not to worry…if anyone ever needed him, he would put all of that down and jump up to help. He never passed up the opportunity to help fix a car, move something, change a tire, give someone a ride, or anything else. Helping others was ingrained so deeply in him that he would even help strangers. He didn’t have much but was always ready to give all he had to help someone in need.

His unique personality gave people two reactions: I need to be friends with this guy, or I need to run! His childhood of ruling the westside showed that you don’t get in his way. But if you were lucky enough to get to know him and be a part of his life you found that beyond that tough exterior was someone who would love and protect you no matter what. It seemed as if he were indestructible. He never shied away from doing something just because it might not be safe. He loved shocking people with his fearlessness. He loved making people laugh and, often he made himself laugh so hard that tears would come out of his eyes.

He entertained his family with constant singing making up his own lyrics whenever he felt like it. Mom would always make the kids ask dad for things and we would cringe wondering how many versus of “Let me sleep on it” we would have to hear. He taught his boys the art of hunting and fishing with many adventures in the woods. Dad loved nature more than anything and when we were in the hills he would always look off into the distance and say, “Just leave me here.” His love of nature extended to animals as well. He had a few very loved dogs and cats over the years and was known for getting mom riled up by bringing home random animals. The neighbors must have freaked out when they saw a goat on the side of the house one day or watched dad force a baby cow through the front door. He brought home countless raccoons, snakes, and anything else he could get his hands on. One time mom told him he couldn’t catch a duckling down at Gibson Park and he took the challenge seriously. Thus began his own private duck pond in the garage for a while.

He was a master fisherman and would say that his secret was singing to the fish. Both of his boys and his son-in-law would experience him singing away whether on the shore or in the middle of the lake above the hole he drilled for ice fishing. Nothing but the sound of nature and dad singing to the fish. He would proudly display a string of fish at the end of the day, and it was the one time he liked having his picture taken.

He was a collector of all things and if you needed something it was almost guaranteed he would have one or two no matter how odd or rare. Of course, if there ever came a time when he didn’t have it, he would find it! He loved to stop in second-hand stores and shop for random things, but he was also an expert at dumpster digging. He found so many treasures from things people discarded; and his home, bedroom, and garage are filled with his odds and ends.

His three children each gave him two grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. It was so much fun to see our tough, tanned, tattooed dad become a gentle giant while holding one of our babies. Whenever he was near them it was never a question of whether he was going to hold them. He was an amazing grandpa and papa to his grandchildren, and they loved spending time with him. He continued to make another generation laugh and that is what he loved to do. Heaven, Bryan, Mark, Jack, Jade and Jacquelin will carry memories of him forever and share them with his great-grandchildren someday because his stories are so much fun.

He leaves behind so many friends and family and the loss of him will remain in our hearts forever. Many people knew him, but he was ours, he belonged to us: Tina (Boyken) Hilbig, Joshua Hilbig, Justus (Lori) Hilbig, Jessica (Patrick) Douglas. He always said not to shed a single tear for him when he passes away because he will be partying in heaven with all those who passed before him. As much as we wanted to honor that, our loss is too great and now we look forward to seeing him again someday. I’m sure he will be ready to show is the best fishing spots.

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