Steve Hilbert passed away at Quesnel, BC on November 19, 2007. Steve was born September 23, 1946 in Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his brother, Sam, his mother, Roberta, his sister, Louise and his father, Alden. In 1969, Steve immigrated to Canada from California, as a conscientious objector to the Vietnam war. Steve settled in Quesnel, building a homestead with Carolyn past Pinnacles Park.
Steve worked as a teacher for School District 28. He then became involved in the first campus of the College of New Caledonia in Quesnel, working as the Administrator. He also worked for the Nazko Indian Band as Band Manager and held the aboriginal community very close to his heart.
He was active in politics, running as a candidate for the NDP in 1984, and serving as Frank Garden’s campaign manager for the 1991 election. He worked as Frank’s constituency assistant and cherished Frank as a close friend. Steve worked in various capacities for the community, in community development, political advocacy, and with the aboriginal community. He also ran his own forestry company, Hilbert Forest Resources, and served on many boards. Most recently, he worked on contracts for the Cariboo Economic Action Forum, the Aboriginal Peoples Family Accord and the Carrier-Chilcotin Tribal Council.
Steve was a proud dad to his kids Sarah and Matt and was pleased to see his daughter, Sarah, married to John West in 1996 and his son, Matthew, married to Alejandra in 2006. He was the loving Grandpa to Jacob, Hannah, Isaac, Eric and Adam West and Paige Exshaw.
Steve felt lucky, late in life, to find the love of Kay, who was truly his best friend. Steve cherished every minute of Kay’s love and devotion, and she cherished him.
Steve will be profoundly missed but never forgotten by his wife, Kay, his children, Sarah Hilbert-West (John) and Matt Hilbert (Alejandra), Kay’s children, Warren and Dale Exshaw (Kim), grandkids Jacob, Hannah, Isaac and Paige, the Moir family, sister Mary Helen “Dooley” Contois, nieces Alison Contois and Lynne Keats, nephew, Eric Contois, three grand-nephews and many other relatives throughout the United States.
He will also be deeply missed by many close friends from near and far.
Steve treasured friendship and was a valued friend to many.
Steve knew how to live and would want us to live our lives fully, following our dreams and making the world a better place. He would want us breathing fresh air, sitting around a fire with friends, walking in the woods, petting a dog, reading a book, helping a friend (or a stranger), and telling the ones you love just how much you love them.
“Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die”
With Thanks
The family of the late Steve Hilbert would like to thank all his friends who contributed to Steve’s life and his home during his illness. Your kindness, empathy and spirit of sharing will be remembered always.
A special thank you to Dr. Sear and Palliative Care Home Support Team for their kindness and respect for Steve’s wishes.