ForeverMissed
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William Hilts                                                                                                  

1977 – 2015

William Hilts died on Friday May 22nd, doing what he loved, flying a water bomber fighting forest fires in northern Alberta.  He was 38.  He leaves behind his parents, Maria and Stewart Hilts, his younger brother Matthew and his wife Paula, his sister Katherine and her husband Darryl, his nephew Jaxson, and his grandmother Rosa Gallo, as well as many other aunts, uncles and cousins.  He also leaves a very strong network of friends in BC and elsewhere, many with ties to the flying community.

William took his pilot training at Confederation College in Thunder Bay, later flying for Kenora Air Services, Turtle Airways in Fiji, Harbour Air out of Prince Rupert, and Wasaya Airways in northern Ontario.  He worked his way to his dream job flying water bombers for Conair in BC and Alberta starting four years ago.  He was part of the team fighting the Cold Lake fire when his plane went down.

The family would appreciate stories, memories and photos from his friends. If you feel so compelled, donate to a charity of your choice in memory of Will. 

If for some reason you are unable to post pictures, tributes or stories, please feel free to email Katherine at ksaynor@outlook.com or Matthew at oldbill_667@hotmail.com and we will be sure to post them on your behalf. 

May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
Stewart and Maria, Sheila and I were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of Will. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family.
May 27, 2015
Maria, Stew and family. Words can't express how we feel for your loss of Will. As you know our boys played together and we can relate to lots of fun times. We know that he was determined to fly and he lived his dream and died doing what he loved. You are in our prayers and may God give you strength to see you through this difficult time.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
Stew and Maria, Sheila and I were so sorry to hear of the sudden and tragic loss of your son. Sheila is also a first responder (city firefighter), and knows only too well the magnitude of the risks. May Will rest in peace.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
I had the privilege of driving across the country with Will, our mutual friend Jan, and our buddy Shilo. We had a great time on our trip out to BC, and spent lots of time together on and off over the years since. I liked Will so much I even took Shilo in as my own dog, that unfortunately was also a very sad ending well before his time. My thoughts are with you guys, Stew and Maria, and the rest of the family. I hadn't seen Will much in the last years, but things never skipped a beat when I saw him. He will be greatly missed by many.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of our friend Will Hilts. Will was a decent, accomplished and kind person with a great sense of humour. We always enjoyed his company and talked many times of his love for Canada's North. Will was doing what he loved and set out to do with his life. Few can say that. Congratulations Will on a life well spent. Your family can be so proud of you. Garry and I will remember you always.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
When you are new in town it is nice to meet a guy that make you feel that you are part of the team right away ... Will was this guy for me. The senior pilot that he was at that time was humble and never hesitated to voice his opinion loud and clear when safety was compromised. I will always remember those end of the day beers and wings at Sally's and especially that night when Will, the shorter guy in the pub, got in between this as big as a fridge guy and one of our fellow pilot friend! Even tough our friend might deserved a punch, Will got one instead and never backed out!

Will, I wish I could have one more beer with you to talk and see this accomplished man who reached is dream job of bombing for Conair. I am sure that you had sparkles in your eyes until the very last few seconds of your life.

I will never forget you my friend.
May 27, 2015
Will and I were good friends in high school. I have so many great memories of him, but mostly I remember the countless hours we spent talking on the phone, often late into the night. Will was witty, charming and always compassionate. Although we lost touch many years ago, I will always have fond memories of his loyal friendship.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
I have so many memories of Will, and they started the day he walked into my high school math class. He dropped his books on the desk behind me, leaned forward, and said 'hey there' and that was that. Besides showing how superior his math skills were to mine, he had me laughing at his quick wit and shared love of sarcastic humor.

His eyes were so bright and excited when he talked about becoming a pilot. And I can clearly remember my fear when he said he wanted to fly water bombers, but he wasn't one to give in to fear. He lived his dream and never stopped encouraging (let's be honest, lecturing) me to live mine. In fact, he was doing just that in one of our last conversations. I am proud to have known and loved him. And I am so grateful that even though we lost touch from time to time during the past 21 years, that we were always able to reconnect and catch each other up about our lives.

When I left for university he made me a mixed tape and being the sappy sentimentalist that I am, I still have it. He laughed and got a real kick out of that fact when I told him about it a couple of years ago. The lyrics from one of the songs are:

"Wherever I go, I take you with me."

And I always will. Rest easy, my friend.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
My favorite memories of Will, will always include bonfires, guitars, laughter, good friends and happiness.

It was an honour to work with you my friend.
I will always remember and savour those memories!

You will be missed!
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
I met Will about 15 years ago in Guelph, and had the pleasure of really getting to know him when Jill and I joined him, Jan, Ben and Ian in Costa Rica for a few weeks that fall. Not long after that trip a bunch of us landed in Vancouver, and Will was a regular fixture in our cheap basement apartment. We shared lots of laughs and lots of drinks over that time, and Will even managed to convince our landlord to give him a parking space for his boat. Then Will and Jill jetted off to Fiji, I graduated to a main floor apartment, and I never did figure out what the landlord did with that boat! One of my last memories of Will was his hospitality when they hosted my husband's band (and entourage) as we made our way to the Edge of the World festival in Haida Gwai.

I will remember Will as a gentle soul who had a great laugh and the enviable quality of knowing exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Rich and I pass along our deepest condolences to his family and friends. He was a great guy, and he will be missed.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
I flew with Will for the better part of two years. He was my Captain on the Hawker. I never once doubted Will as a pilot. He had confidence in his abilities and for good reason. I always liked Will's honest style and I'd follow that guy anywhere. He was a great guy to fly with and became an equally good friend to spend time with. We flew together, we hunted together, we fished together, we'd jabber on about hockey over a beer and once in awhile we even laughed together ;-) He was a good friend and I'll miss him. My deepest condolences go out to his family and his friends. You're a beauty Will.
May 27, 2015
May 27, 2015
Dear Stew and Maria, Earlby and I were so sorry to hear of William's death. Unfortunately we didn't know William well, but to lose a child is so tragic. It was wonderful to read how he realized his dreams..an inspiration for many.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
My dearest Will
You were a shining light in my life when I desperately needed someone. You took my hand and led me out of the darkness I was in. You never judged and were always there to listen and encourage me. You are the kindest gentlest man I have ever met and I am privileged to have known you. You will be sorely missed and I am broken hearted that I didn't get to spend more time with you. I know you are flying high in the sky doing what you love most. I will always remember you.
Love Sandra
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
A collegue, a friend - a respected airman.

High Flight
Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings,
Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds - and done a thousand things
You have not dreamed of - Wheeled and soared:
And swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there,
I've chased the shouting wind along, and
Flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long, delirious burning blue air
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or even eagle flew.
And, while silent, lifting mind I've trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space;
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

RIP Will.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
Rest in paradise William Hilts. Your new wings are magnificent!
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
My prayers and thoughts goes to your family and friends. Thank you for helping us out. Enjoy your new wings.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
Will and I met about a two and a half years ago, and became close friends immediately. He flew to Edmonton a couple times last winter to hang out, we had so many laughs and great times were had. I regret having missed out on our trip to Tlell this past Christmas, I know it would have been a great one. My parents loved picking his brain about all his flying adventures when we did a road trip out to see them in Cranbrook. He beemed with pride. I went up to Lac la Biche last summer where he got to show off all the places the "boys" hangout and had a great time with Will and the crew. Although we were always dealing with the issue of distance we always managed to stay very close. I miss you so much, I keep waiting for you to text back so we can finish our conversation.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
Will brought spirit and friendship to Conair and was a valued member of our family. He will rest always in our hearts. Godspeed Will
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
We just want to thank all of you who have visited this site, left tributes, or emailed us. You've given us a wonderful picture of Will as a person, pilot and friend. It is so comforting to know that he lived in such a great network of friends and that you all thought so well of him. We are totally overwhelmed by your words, and the number of visitors. This site is permanent, so his brother and sister will always be able to look back and remember, thanks to your comments. Don't worry about what to say or the words to use; knowing that you care is all that matters.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
Maria, Stew, Katie and Matt it is with tears in our eyes that Kay and I are sending our deepest heart felt condolences for the loss of Will. We can only imagine the heart ache you are now feeling. We all know Will was doing what he loved best. Flying was his passion, his true love, May the peace of God carry you through this time of sorrow.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
I had the pleasure of meeting Will when we worked together at North Pacific Seaplanes. We quickly became good friends when I let him help himself to my packed lunch every day!  Will was one of the best people to enter my life and I feel so fortunate to have had him in it. You are forever in my heart and memories Will.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
I want to thank Will for helping my sister, Sandra, through a most difficult time in her life. Though I did not have the fortune to meet him in life, I feel like I know him through the eyes of my sister. I know first hand the unimaginable pain of losing a child but how joyous it must be to hear how treasured he was to others and how richly he lived life. As parents, you must be so very proud of him. My sincerest condolences to all Will's family and friends.

Heathe
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
When I became Ops Manager for Kenora Air, Will was our dockhand. It was his first job out of college. Everyday he made sure that I knew via his quiet sarcastic humour that he was still not up. To prove his point he would present me with different little idle type busy work items such as a wallet made of duct tape. I asked the chief pilot several times to get Will up but apparently Will was right and this wasn't going to happen. Luckily our old chief pilot of over 30 years, Jack Howard, was still around and I asked him. Jack was reluctant but finally agreed. I went to find Will that night, told him put his beer down, he was flying first thing in the morning. He grumbled that this wasn't going to happen. I told him he was going up with Jack. His eyes got as big as saucers, he stood up, he sat down, he stood up, he turned around and just stared at me. I told him to be down at the dock early for paperwork. We met at 7, he went up at 8. When they landed, Will went to the warehouse and Jack came into the office. I asked Jack how he did. Jack put up his right hand and spread his fingers and said, I've trained many pilots over 30 years and only a handful were naturals and Will is one of them. Will was the last pilot that Jack got up in his career.
Will became my right hand man for many years and I appreciated his common sense approach to problems. With very few words he would hit the nail on the head. Will brought Brodie Campbell to our team. The two were inseparable. Kuby called them Jodie and Wilt and after correcting and objecting, they finally just accepted it and remained Jodie and Wilt forever. Kuby passed away the day after Will.
I flew with Will on several occasions. He flew just like Jack. Quiet, controlled, confident, reassuring to the passenger. His hand movements were like a ballet, slow, calm, deliberate, practised, no jerky, alarming movements. His landings were perfect and you had to look down to see the water splashing over the floats because you could never tell if you were on the water. Customer after customer praised his airmanship.
Will had a bit of a shrine to his pilot grandfather in the "Hilton" and shared those memories with us. He had a sentimental side that not everyone was allowed to see.
Will was a gifted photographer. We often talked of him making a book out of his pictures of planes. I'm looking at one of my favourites on my wall right now. A rainbow and his first plane, beached, at the end of the rainbow. His love of flying shone through the pictures. I wish I knew how to share his pictures with you. I would post them if I could.
I treasure the fact that Will phoned me about 2 years ago and we talked for over an hour.
I lost my friend and first pilot but aviation lost a natural. It's a tough one.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
With wings of man you flew on earth, Now with wings of God you fly in heaven .
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
May he rest in peace , condolences and prayers to his Family
Fly high in the heavens. God Bless you
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
I didn't have the pleasure of knowing Willy well, but know many mutual Guelph friends. I hope it can bring some comfort to the family that on hearing of His passing, a small group gathered to share stories and memories of their experiences with Will. This world was a better place with Him, He brought a lot of Good times to a lot of Good people, He will be sadly missed! My deepest sympathies to the whole Family and all of his Friends.
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
One of my favourite childhood memories of Will was in the early 90s. We spent hours and hours playing outside at our family cottage at March Break….we skied, tobogganed, ice fished… but our favourite was climbing ‘the mountain’ back behind the cottage. There were a number of injuries as Will and his brother launched themselves down the mountain hitting trees, rocks, and anything else in their path. Will’s family had just got a new video camera and Will decided that this was the perfect opportunity to submit a video to Bob Saget’s hit show America’s Funniest Home Videos. Will and his brother spent days trying to reenact the funniest stunts….we laughed until it hurt, but Will was so proud of his accomplishment…because he truly thought his video would make him famous.

I am so glad I have these memories. xo Susan
May 26, 2015
May 26, 2015
Tribute from Rich Tolson

Will was my First Officer for part of a season, on the Convair. He was a great airman and a joy to work with. God speed, Will. You will be missed and forever in my thoughts, buddy!
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Most of my memories of Will are from when I was really little. Just simple, nice things like sitting on his knee in Nana and Grandpa's living room. He'd be tickling me and making me laugh, and I thought he was so cool. I remember once we were playing and he was lifting me and swinging me around and throwing me up in the air. Although it probably didn't look like it, he told me we were swing dancing. I thought that it was awesome that my big, strong cousin wanted to swing dance with tiny little me. I will always think of him that way. It's my favourite memory of Will and I will cherish it, always. You are a true hero Will, and you are missed dearly. xo
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Thank you, Mr. Hilts.

We didn't know you, but your loss is still felt in the communities you were working hard to protect. Your wife, your family, and your friends are in our prayers.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Met Will in 2002 when he joined Turtle Airways....a gentleman and a scholar and he also had his moments of funny one liners and witty remarks...will miss him...Rest in peace my brother...till we meet again...an awesome but humble pilot.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Will was truly one of the most honest and sincere people I've ever had the chance of knowing. Not afraid to speak his mind, and made you laugh while doing it. One of the surprisingly few people that chose to fly for the absolute love of being in the air. Many good times were spent with Will among good friends that will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
I'll always remember our family Christmas dinners. The laughter, the sarcasm, the bad jokes and the lupini beans... The year you accidently pegged off Grandma (aka - the Christmas the lupini was banned) is still fresh in my mind. I'm going to miss you!
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
I had only recently met Will but what fun we had together. I was laughing from the moment we first met. He was kind, sweet, generous, smart, adventurous and funny ... and wow could he tell a good story! I listened to him for hours talk about all his adventures ... narrowly missing icebergs in the north and crazy times with his friends while driving down to Costa Rica. My time with him was short, but precious. He was a very special.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Dear Will, I got to know you when you were based here in Whitecourt with Group 1. Sharing daily meals with you and your coworkers made me feel like family and I will never forget your kind heart and spirit. My thoughts go out to your family, friends and coworkers. I will remember you.- Tonya
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
I met Will in high school. A group if us used to hang out and we sure did laugh a lot. We lost touch after high school but a few years ago when Will was back in town we caught up and reminisced about those crazy years. A few of us from the old group even went to see Kenny Phelps play a show. It was a great night. Rest in peace, Will. You will be missed. Cheers to pool hopping, Sauble Beach and Mr. Angry. :)
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Willy's laugh, honest wit...I loved that about him. I'll never forget riding in his truck listening to Beck, wrestling with the guys on a mattress in his living room and just hanging out with a great friend. You'll be missed Will xo
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
God bless you Will; your Conair family is going to deeply miss you.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
I will always remember crazy adventures with Will and especially
his brother, at our cottage times at Sand Lake. Their mission was to create the perfect luge run and Will and Matt would try skiing, snowboarding and sledding over jumps that were just scary and shocking to me as a little girl. I loved those times and hanging out with my older cousins. Also remember when I fell in the lake after fishing and my jeans got stuck on me... Will had to pull them off me and I had to be maybe 8, I was so embarrassed that he saw me in my underwear!! You will be so greatly missed Will, you died a hero and I know you are at peace with Nana and Grandpa. Xo Jane
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
Will was a part of our family when he stayed with us in Tlell on the Haida Gwaii the past two seasons after fire season. He easily fit in and was always able to bring a smile to our face with a funny joke or witty sarcasm. We will miss him.Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones and friends through this time of sorrow.
May 25, 2015
May 25, 2015
I don't know will .have never met this brave man .but my prayers go out to his family and loved ones .he was fighting the fires in cold lake where I live ...Thank you for your bravery rest at peace
May 24, 2015
May 24, 2015
We have so many good memories of Will.He spent many hours at our place with our son Mike in high school.My most memorable time was that Will loved to eat but not until after 3 p.m.I wished that I had had a lock on the fridge after that time for the fridge was emptied out.He was a kind soul and we will miss him...
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Recent Tributes
February 22
February 22
It is an honour indeed to pay tribute to the life of William. He was an amazing young fellow as we watched him grow up.  We were entertained by his sharp wit and his great friendship making abilities. Gone too too soon. Stewart and Maria you should be ever proud of the fine young man we remember and whom you loved so well. May he soar with the eagles but also remain in our hearts forever. 
February 22
February 22
William it seems like yesterday we held you in our arms at that hospital in London. It seems like yesterday I dropped you off at the airport to head for college. And it seems like yesterday we went to the memorial service in northern Alberta. We think of you every day and will love you forever.
May 23, 2023
May 23, 2023
The years are slipping by quickly without our friend Will. It's bitter to be enjoying the good years of our lives we worked so hard to achieve and yet there is a good friend missing. The boys and I spent the evening exploring the universe with the telescope and are reminded of how he would have loved to be here. I'm also comforted that in each of us is a part of a star that once burned bright, and while we may leave this earth in this form part of us will always live forever in this cycle of life. As I leave for my fire season Will is always in my mind and it reminds me that the most important responsibility I have is to fly safely and come home to my family.
Recent stories

Fishing again

May 22, 2022
by m h
I was reminded of the time that Will and I had gone to fish the Grand river in Fergus. I would have been around 13 or 14 and he would have been 17-18.

We waded up from the bridge north of town, floundering a bit, teaching ourselves to fly fish. We separated and will found his way through the shallows, upstream to the far bank. He rested on the shore and spoke to a man walking a dog. 

soon after, he gathered his things and headed my way. When he was part way back, the man arrived on the bank again, with a golf club and balls. He set up and teed of, launching a ball our way. 

Will said “ he thinks he owns the river, let’s go.” 

he continued to launch balls at us as we headed down river. He never really got close and Will never really got mad about it, he just laughed it off. I don’t think we caught any fish that day.  I don’t suppose it really matters. Eventually we spread out a bit, found new watersand even landed a few fish. 

The Backstory

May 22, 2022
Let me tell you a bit of the backstory to Will's summer of fishing with Brad.  The boys were quite young when their grampa started taking them out to a friend's stocked pond.  I was no fisherman so it was from their grampa that the boys  (and later their baby sister) learned the basics of fishing.  And success was fairly high in a stocked pond!

A few years later, on our trip to Newfoundland, the boys got a chance to fish for capelin (like sardines).  When the 'capelin were in', the locals would bring their nets and pails down to the beach and fill a pail to freeze for the winter.  The boys took their simple nets down to an already crowded small beach and successfully pulled out forty or so small fish.  Matt, in his enthusiasm went too far in and a local simply grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and hauled him back to safety.  I think there was almost more fun later as the boys gleefully cut the heads off the fish and rolled them in flour.  Then we had a big feed of capelin, bones and all.

On the same trip the boys got to try their hand at 'jigging' for cod.  Jigging for cod involves no bait and no fishing rod.  You simply drop a line with a weighted hook over the side of the boat and pulled it up in short little jerks, 'jigging it', hoping to snag a fish.  We went out on a fishing boat and the boys caught several small cod.  But the highlight was when our tour guide, in a trick I'm sure he had done many times before, threw a fish high in the air and a Bald Eagle came swooping out of nowhere to grab it as it hit the water.  None of us will forget that moment!

The highlight of my fishing memories is our trip to Alaska.  First there was a tumbling stream on the Alaska Highway where the boys clambered down over the boulders to catch a small grayling or two.  Then, not far east of Fairbanks, we joined locals at a fishing access point, and this time it was Will's brother Matt who caught the best fish, a huge King Salmon nearly 3 feet long! 

But it was the 'combat fishing' in Valdez that I remember most.  Fishermen were lined up shoulder to shoulder down the pier, and Kate, Matt and Will all lined up.  The salmon were running, and they pulled out salmon as fast as they could throw their lines back in, a fishing experience of a lifetime.  At this point Kate was 10, Matt 14 and Will 17.

Finally as we travelled the Skeena Highway home east of Prince Rupert, we turned off at the Hazeltons, determined to find a tributary small enough to fish in safely.  We made our way to the Kispiox River and the boys finally managed to fish in a beautiful northern river, donning hip waders and getting out their fly fishing gear.  And they each caught a fish too, trout as I remember.  Thus their lifetime love of fishing was built.

So those are my memories of the back story to Brad and Will's summer of fishing on Haida Gwaii.

A Fish Tale

May 21, 2022
It's been too long since there's been a Will story. Every year this time we are reminded of the tragedy that is Will not among us to make his own new stories. Well there's no shortage of stories and it didn't take me long to remember this one.  I'm sure others have some to share as well. Will was just a wonderful friend.

Id been volunteering to run a sub base out of Masset for North Pacific Seaplanes in the summer months. The first year was pretty slow but the next year was quite busy, busy enough to have the Otter come over on weekends to do lodge work.
Well Will and I used that opportunity to spend almost all our free time fishing that summer. We did so much fishing. I've never done that much fishing before or ever since.
We fished every river, creek and stream on Haida Gwaii. Walked so far up Yakoun I can't remember all the pools we fished. We had both bought ourselves new Sage fly rods and reels. Even had our names engraved on them from the factory. It was epic.

Trout, and every species of salmon. I remember 20 pound spring salmon in the Pallant Creek stripping our reels down to the backing in less than 2 feet of water. It was so much fun. Bears stealing our fish off the landing, so many fish in the river you could feel them rubbing against your waiders as they swam upstream. Both of us physically exhausted from catching fish. 

We caught so many pink and chum salmon in the Copper that we just didn't count or even more astonishingly didn't keep score. This was before the age of cell phone cameras and no serious fisherman caries a camera in the middle of the river. It would have been nice to have some pictures. I can still remember the smiles and happy exhaustion that came from hours of successful fishing and the drive back in the dark to the crew house. 
I can say with certainty that I've never had such a wonderful summer as that one, never caught so many fish, never dedicated so much time to the art of fishing and learning the rivers. I've never been back to most of the places, and the fishing is done in some of them forever. It was a much happier and simpler time back then. Just flying seaplanes, nothing fancy, home every night, familiar with everyone.
Writing this from the other side of the world I can say have no regrets with my career and the adventures and where I'm at now, but I can honestly say without hesitation I'd trade it all for one more summer like that with Will. Just a summer dedicated to two friends and the art of fly fishing. 

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