
08/29/2025
Earl Donald Hills (Don)
May 19, 1950 – August 21, 2025
After a valiant battle with cancer, Don passed away in Creston Valley Hospital at age 75, his 3 girls were always by his side. His strong will, strength, and faith fought hard, but his body was ready to rest. He is now walking the streets of gold in Heaven while the rest of us are still down here with some potholes - as he would often say.
Don was first and foremost a man who loved God.
He was the husband of Dorothy and loved her with everything he had, every day for 55 years. They were high school sweethearts and enjoyed many adventures together along their way. Their first home was in Kitimat, BC where Don worked at Eurocan Pulp & Paper and they made their house a home wherever they lived after that.
He was also a fantastic father. His two daughters, Crystal and Michelle, have never once had to wonder if he loved them or would be there for them. He did and he was – consistently. He instilled a deep appreciation of nature in his girls and taught them how to be still and find the quiet, inner knowing that only comes from God. His legacy is the sense of belonging and acceptance he provided them with. He will be missed and yet they will carry that feeling with them always.
These were his greatest life accomplishments - a faithful husband and a loving father – but there are others…
He was gifted with athletic skills and excelled in basketball, volleyball, track and field and boxing. He held the high school record for high jump at 6 ft. Impressive as he was 5 ft 8 in. He could “hang in the air” while shooting basketball. In 1964 (age 14) he was a winner at the Calgary Amateur Boxing Club tournament.
He became a Christian and was baptized with his wife, Dorothy in 1976. He attended North American Baptist College, served as an elder at Creston Baptist Church and was a strong advocate for the development of the Creston Valley Christian School. His belief in Christian education never faded.
He was employed at Hills Moving & Storage, Crestbrook Forest Industries, Columbia Brewery and Ministry of Transportation and Highways. Then in 1986 he was the founder and owner/operator of Creston Parcel & Delivery. He and Dorothy ran and managed the business for approximately five years establishing a good foundation and then his brother, Richard & wife Arlene, took it forward. It continues to serve the valley to this day.
He went back to school at age 41 and obtained his Forest Technician Diploma at Selkirk College, Castlegar, BC. He continued with Ministry of Forests until 2013 when he retired as a Compliance & Enforcement Officer. He worked in Horsefly, Williams Lake and Cranbrook district offices. During his 21 year career he was well respected and was credited with setting a precedent in case law.
After retirement back to Creston, he drove local transit bus for approximately 3 years.
Don loved to fish and did so as recently as July. He dreamt of hunting every fall and providing for his family. He loved the outdoors passionately and his property on the Goat River bottom was his pride and joy. He developed road accesses, cleared spaces, controlled beaver damages, renovated a cabin with his daughters, and spent as much time as possible wandering all over the land. He truly loved it and to share this special place with friends and family.
He never stopped appreciating basketball and baseball, but a highlight for him was following his niece, Hayley’s, volleyball career at Eastern Washington University. It was pure joy to be a spectator there and spend time with other family in attendance.
Don and Dorothy loved to travel and the first long trip they took was in 1975 to California. Don was amazed at the flowers along the freeway boulevard…just like him to appreciate the little things. Over the years, they were able to enjoy several trips to California, Hawaii, Cuba and Arizona, a trip to Mazatlán and a cruise to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Don enjoyed warm, sunny weather. He loved to have his toes in the sand on beaches surrounded with palm trees.
Don was one of fourteen children. He is survived by his wife, Dorothy, daughters Crystal and Michelle (Keith) He is predeceased by brothers Bill, Vern and Bob. He is survived by brothers Ken, Larry, Richard, Rock, Ed, Neil & Tomm as well as sisters Betty, June and Penny. He had numerous brothers & sisters in-law and many nieces and nephews who he enjoyed spending time with.
Don was a man of few words, but when he spoke, it was worth listening to. His discernment, wisdom, humor and quirkiness will always be missed. There is a “hole in our world, but not in our memories.”
The family thanks Donna Maatz for her support during this very difficult time. Any memorial donations may be given to Creston Caregivers.
Coffee break celebration of life to be held tentatively September 20, 2025. Details to follow.
Condolences for the family may be offered at www.crestonvalleyfuneralservices.ca