Hilliard was born on Friday, September 8, 1972 at The Pas, Manitoba to the Late Samson and Isabel (nee: Crane) Lathlin. He was the youngest of five siblings. Due to the death of his mother shortly after he was born, Hilliard was placed with Foster Parents, the Late Russell Cook and Lena Henderson where he was raised as part of their family. Hilliard attended Kindergarten at the Iskonekan School and then moved with the family to Thompson, Manitoba, where he attended Eastwood, Deerwood, Burntwood and RD Parker. He came home to complete his Grade 12 and was one of the first Graduates of Joe A. Ross School. While in Thompson, he worked selling ice cream as a “Dickee Dee Boy” and later helped peel logs for the new museum in Thompson. Whenever the museum was mentioned, he made sure to let everyone know that was “his” museum as he was so proud of being part of seeing this new building go up. Later in life, Hilliard worked alongside his best friend and fighting partner, Bill Knutson as his helper. If it was housing season and you saw Bill, you were sure to see Hilliard walking behind him to their next job. It was a job he was proud of, and even though he had been ill in the past year or more and in pain, he worked hard to provide for his family. If friends or family needed some electrical work done, he was quick to do his best to get it done. He loved to play soccer and was proud to have played in an International Soccer Tournament in Winnipeg during Folklorama when he was younger. Anyone who knew Hilliard also knew his favorite hockey team was the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was always happy to go fishing with his buddies or eager to play horseshoes either at Frank and Myra’s or in many of the local tournaments. Our brother loved his times at “Sang-a-doors” camp and was always ready to partake in whatever activities were happening, depending on the season. Hilliard met the love of his life, Delphine, in 2007. They were married this past fall on September 19, 2014. He was eager to have Delphine as his wife and had the family plan it all in a matter of two weeks. If you ever were to see a happy groom on his wedding day, it was Hilliard. He was smiling ear to ear from the beginning of the ceremony until the end of the evening. He was truly in love with his wife. He was a kind and humble man and helped raise Delphine’s children and grandchildren as his own. Although the kids thought he was being hard on them at times, it was his way of teaching them to survive in this world. He was always there for them and the grandchildren loved being held in his arms. We could say so much about Hilliard…….he was a loving husband, a wonderful step-dad and grandpa, a son who made his parents proud, a brother, a friend and so much more. He was kind hearted, humble, loved to laugh and have a good time and would be there for anyone who needed help. To have him taken from us so soon, is heartbreaking, but we can take comfort knowing he is no longer in pain and is with his loved ones who have gone before him. Left to cherish his memory are his Loving Wife Delphine; Brothers Dan and Pierre Lathlin; Foster Mom, Lena Henderson; Step Children, Bernadette (Norman) Budd, Harvey (Shae-Lynn) Bignell, Carrie (Draven) Bignell, and Leanne Bignell; his step grand-children, Madison Budd, Norman Budd Jr., Rebekkah Budd, Harvey Bignell Jr., Hailee Bignell, Jennifer Bignell-Michelle, Kailynn Bignell-Michelle. He was also God Father to Leanne Bignell and Jordan Cook; Foster Brothers, Thomas (Rose) Cook, Jeremy (Doris) Cook, Neal (Krista) Cook; Foster Niece Nikki Anne Cook and her son Cameron Chartrand; Adopted Brother and Sister Clarence (Cheap) and Patti Constant. He will be missed by his Nieces Treena (Michael) and her children, Shaylin, Tia, Jade and Tanis; Michaela Lathlin and Shyann Lathlin. His Nephews, Lester Jr. (Christina) and their children Damien, Piper and Michael; Tyler (Thomasina) and their children Thelma, Taylor and Torrance; Chad (Jade) and their children Anthony and Heath; Eric Lathlin, Avery and Ashton Constant. Hilliard also leaves the Fiddler, Crane and Pelly family members from Cumberland House, Saskatchewan. Hilliard was pre-deceased by his Parents, Samson and Isabel Lathlin (nee Crane); Foster Father Russell Cook; brothers Talbot and Mario; Sisters Thelma and infant Myra Katherine; Foster Sister Kelly Anne Cook, Grandparents, William and Maria Lathlin and Julius and Louisa Crane as well as several other family members. Wake Services: Thursday, December 18 at 7:00 p.m. and Friday December 19, 2014 at Margaret Henderson Parish Hall in Big Eddy Funeral: Saturday December 20, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Church of Redeemer in Big Eddy Pallbearers: Christian Cook Roy Head Simon John Bignell Don Lathlin George “Rookie” Constant Thomas Cook Dino Wilson Harold Knutson Honour Guard: Bill and Dale Knutson To the Graveside: All of Hilliard’s family and friends. Interment: Emmanuel Cemetery Hemauer Funeral Home/Cremation Services in Care of Arrangements