Brian Hilgartner

Hilgartner, Brian "Rooster/Tex" After a brief fight with the “Big C”, Brian Arthur Hilgartner passed away on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at Lisaard House surrounded by his family. Sadly he didn’t win the battle. Brian was born November 5, 1948 in Kitchener. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Thressa, son Russell, daughter Courtney and her fiancé Justin Plant, grandson Lincolin who is the light of his life, step-sons Kevin (Emma) Uhlig and Norman Uhlig, brothers, Jim (Judy), Kevin (Kim), sister Sharon Hohl (Bill Smith) & their families. Also survived by Thressa’s parents Doris & Bob Cornelius, sisters-in-law Tam Good (Rob) Tracy MacKinnon (Tim Waechter) and Trish Rumble (Jeff) and their families. Fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Lincolin and his Poppa had a lot of fun together, especially going to Ranger games. He was predeceased by his father Russell in April 1971 and mother Kay (Eckert) May 2005. Brian loved hockey. He played in the Kitchener Police Minor Hockey Association. This year he had planned to continue helping coach the Waterloo Ravens Ladies team. He played Oldtimers Hockey as goalie and already registered for this season. He also coached many minor hockey teams. Hockey was #1, but golf was his other favourite!! As a young teen he achieved a hole-in-one at Rockway Golf Course. Brian and his family were avid Kitchener Ranger fans having season tickets for many years. The last couple years he really enjoyed bringing Lincolin along. Over the years they also billeted many of the Rangers. Not only was he a Ranger fan but also their mascot!! In the late 1970’s the Ranger Rooster was “born“. In November 1998 Ranger Tex took over. Brian became these characters and had a blast. He often ventured from the rink to other events in various locations. Brian was employed at Budd Automotive and when he retired never slowed down. He worked for Buckingham Landscaping, Green-T Landscaping and Latitude Properties. Squeeze into that a stint as a school bus driver. Brian was funny, he was silly and we all thought somewhat crazy!! He was full of jokes, one-liners and stories getting everyone to laugh. As the young ones came along they were totally amazed by his goofy tricks which he famously re-enacted over the years along with his own “background music” . He could also strike up a conversation with anyone and eventually would end up talking hockey or golf depending on the season. Brian always liked to make people laugh!! He will be missed by so many but by his family most of all. A Celebration of Brian's Life will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 25, 2018 in the Wright Auto Sales Lounge at the Kitchener Auditorium, 400 East Ave. Casual dress, hockey related. Donations in his memory can be made thru Henry Walser Funeral Home, to EMPWR Foundation (Ben Fanelli) Concussion Recovery, Canadian Cancer Society or Lisaard House. Sincere thanks to Lisaard House for their excellent care of Brian and his family.