Hilliard

Gary D. Hilliard, 70, of Wrightwood, Calif., passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at St. Bernardine Medical Center, San Bernardino, Calif., after an extended illness.

Gary was born Sept. 26, 1954, in Butler. He was a graduate of Youngstown State University, Youngtown, Ohio, earning a degree in civil engineering. He later lived in California for several years with his devoted wife, Pam.

Gary was a longtime ironworker, a retired civil engineer with Los Angeles County, an ultra runner, trail steward/boss, founder and race director of the Angeles National Forest (formerly Mount Disappointment) 50K and 25K, as well as co-race director of the Angeles Crest 100.

Gary was a passionate man who put his heart and soul into everything he did. He was a great mentor to so many. Gary liked everyone! He was a hardworking man, a loving husband and father, and so much more.

Gary is survived by his wife, Pam; sister, Sandra Ihlenfeld; brother-in-law, Thomas Ihlenfeld; three sisters-in-law, Celeste Kipling, Debbie Wilson and Sheri “Sissy” Huerta; mother-in-law, Audry Souza; six nieces, Kathleen Ihlenfeld, Elizabeth Rodgers (husband, Gerald) and Anna Smith (husband, Josh), Sharlene Delmonico (wife, Michelle), Shannon Hall (husband, Michael “Bubba”) and Stacy Parsons (Junior Mendoza); one nephew, Robert Dasch; nine great-nieces; and four great-nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his son, Jay; mother, Janet Scheidemantle Hilliard; father, Merle Hilliard; brother, Greg Hilliard; and three brothers-in-law, Randy Delmonico, Perry Wilson and Nick Huerta.

A celebration of life in honor of Gary will be held Friday, July 11, at Westminster Church, 420 N. Main St., Butler. Visitation will be at 10 a.m., the service at 11 a.m., followed by lunch.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.