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Obituaries » John D. Hilliard
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A visitation will be held at Joldersma and Klein Funeral Home in Kalamazoo on Sunday, November 14, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a Rosary being said at 6:30 PM. A funeral Mass will be said at the St. Mary Catholic Church, 939 Charlotte Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49048, on Monday, November 15, beginning at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, John suggested making a memorial donation to the Milwood Neighborhood Watch Assoc., PO Box 2354., Kalamazoo, MI 49003. His family also suggests the John Hilliard Endowment Fund.
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I’m very sorry to learn of John’s passing. I met John many years ago through my parents who lived in AZ. They were all active in their communities and worked together in great causes. I kept in touch with John via Christmas greetings but hadn’t the past few years due to relocating and building a new home (just my husband and I). Only checked before I sent him a card and was saddened to see his obituary. John was always very kind to me and he’ll be greatly missed. My condolences and prayers for Ryan.
Posted by Christine Bridges on December 4, 2021
John was a friend and neighborhood playmate in the late 40's. He, his brother, and his parents were all very nice caring people. A wonderful family will now be united in heaven.
Posted by Paul W Schrier on November 22, 2021
Some of the many ways John touched my life: Milwood Neighborhood Watch, Lending Hands of Michigan, Inc., sailing conversations, business connections and meeting for lunch. Probably the most impactful was working on political campaigns with John. That's when I really learned the depth of his commitment to the community, fellow citizens and his care & concern for unity. His legacy will be felt forever.
Posted by Julie VanderNoot on November 19, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I knew him for many years through Lending Hands and felt he was a good example of how one person can make such a difference in the world for others in need. His integrity, gentleness and humor will be missed by many. His life was one of purpose and compassion .
Posted by Karen L. Timmer on November 16, 2021
My sincere condolences to John’s son. My late husband, Dave, volunteered at Lending Hands and John and Dave had a special friendship. John even went with us to a Tigers baseball game. The two of them loved talking about baseball. I’m sure John and Dave our continuing their conversations in Heaven. RIP John.
Posted by Deb Salik Wintjen on November 14, 2021
John was so helpful to my patients as well as others in the community in need of adaptive equipment that they could not afford to purchase. He was a good man. God speed John.
Posted by Susan Boehme on November 14, 2021
So sorry to hear of this loss to the community. Remembering this gentle leader and his service to Kalamazoo
Posted by Norma Bour on November 14, 2021
Gonna miss the tongue in cheek humor John. Thanks for everything you did for the community in particular Lending Hands..RIP pal
Posted by Don Jarzambek on November 14, 2021
Dear John, rest in peace. Of course knowing John, it won't be long before he finds a social service cause in heaven that needs his support. Seriously, we have known John for a very long time and, always in a very quiet manner, John has made the world a better place. Ryan, your Dad was very fortunate to have you at his side. John, Kathy and I will miss you.
Posted by Harve & Kathy Light on November 14, 2021
John was a truly selfless man who gave so much to others. I am honored to have known and worked with him.
Posted by Kathleen M Wiedmayer on November 14, 2021
I had the privilege of working with John at Lending Hands for over nine years. He created a unique service to the community, one that was available to all of those in short-term need of medical equipment. He ran the nonprofit with a steady hand, financial integrity and compassion for his volunteers and the users of the service. I Left Lending Hands approximately approximately seven years ago but John and I have continued a strong relationship over breakfasts at Antique Kitchen in Portage. John was a man of strong, religious and moral convictions, proud of his military service and his service to the community. I was grateful to call him a friend and he will be deeply missed by those who knew him or were served by him. Fair winds and following seas my friend, until we meet again.
Posted by Paul Hartwigsen on November 14, 2021
I was deeply saddened to hear about John’s passing. I am so blessed to have known this selfless, caring man. He truly made the world a better place. I take comfort knowing that my daughter now has a guardian angel in heaven watching over her.
Posted by Hanne Stuedemann Vander Horst on November 14, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with the Hilliard family. I so enjoyed working with John during the Hopewell campaign. John was always so kind and I learned so much from him about Kalamazoo. RIP John.
Posted by Denise Hairston on November 14, 2021
To God be the Glory for a life well lived. The impact John had on this community will live on through his legacy of service. His humble spirit will always be remembered. Rest in Heavenly Peace.
Posted by Lucinda M. Stinson on November 14, 2021
I am deeply saddened by John's death. This community has lost a dedicated and socially responsible member. I served on the Area Agency on Aging Advisory Committee with him where I was strengthened by his guidance and wisdom. My sympathy to his family.
Posted by Rosamond Robbert on November 14, 2021
So sorry to hear about John’s passing. What a wonderful person was honored to work with him in the older community.. Fly high John you are without pain. Prayers for John’s family.💕
Posted by Judy Gates Hayes on November 13, 2021
