Obituary of Erik Hughes Hillgard

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved son, Erik Hughes Hillgard on July 28th, 2024. Born in Brampton, Ontario he was the son of Eva Elisabeth Cesilia Hillgard and Raymond Charles Holmes. There are many kind words to describe the beautiful “wee” boy, Erik Hughes Hillgard, who grew into the handsome man we all loved and cared for. He was a loving, caring, sensitive and inquisitive person who would always greet family and friends with a big warm, heartfelt and soothing embrace (hug). Erik’s creativity and his artistic passion enabled him in putting paint to canvas to create brilliant pictures that flowed from his vivid imagination. His favourite way to enjoy a beautiful day was going on a long nature walk with his mamma through a forest that resembled a Tolkien, troll filled fantasy. He would stop along the way to make the acquaintance of any little frog or insect engaged in their daily routine. Erik’s eyes would sparkle as he shared his knowledge of these little creatures with his proud mamma. Son, you are part of a very big, loving family where Mamma and Pappa would sit together watching their five, loving children sharing joy and laughter while playing with new Christmas toys. You, son with your Bionicles and Lego, Shannon with her Goony Bird and books, Sean with his Star Trek Shuttle Craft and Airfix soldiers, Cesilia with her Furbies and Tamagotchi and Anders with his Nintendo DS and Bumblebee Transfomer. Later in the afternoon we would be joined by Uncle Ian with his accordion and Aunty Susan with her bagpipes to regale us with many uplifting tunes. Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob would join us with your adorable, wee, cousins, Melissa and Emily bringing with them lots of dolls and infectious laughter and their plastic golf sets. There would be a knock at the door and Rick would be there with Christmas bags full of children’s books. Then Lynne and Ken with little bright-eyed, considered brother, Mackenzie (also affectionately known as “McLovin”) would arrive with his Bionicles and Toy Castle. The children would all play together, like there was no tomorrow. Sharing stories of the “Black-Haired Lady”, the Candy Gremlin and the Killbear Camping. The adults would enjoy the warmth of Kith and Kin and the hap, hap happiest family since Bing Crosby tap-danced with Danny fabulous Kaye! With his adventurous spirit, Erik moved to Nova Scotia. It is here he found his calling working for King’s College in facilities management. He often spoke to his parents of this nurturing environment where he was learning so much from wonderful colleagues that he felt so close to. The campus was like his second home where he felt safe and secure. Our” wee” son, you were a self-taught intellectual on a continuing journey towards understanding yourself and the world around you. (Maleva from the 1941 Wolfman) “The way you walked was thorny, though no fault of your own, but as the rain enters the soil, the river enters the sea, so tears run to a predestined end. Now you will have peace for eternity.” Your family and friends are always going to miss you and your wonderful smile. Love Mamma, Pappa, Shannon, Sean, Holly, Tyler, Carter, Aubrey, Cesilia, Adam, Anders, Mormor, Morfar, Uncle Patrik, Rebecca (family), Amanda, (family), Albin, Uncle Ian and Aunt Susan, Colin (family), Scott and Gerry (family), Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob, Melissa (family) and Emily (family). Erik is survived by his parents, his two brothers; Sean Holmes, (Holly) and Anders, his two sisters; Shannon Holmes and Cesilia Hillgard (Adam), nephews; Tyler and Carter, and niece; Aubrey. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be made to the Society for Borderline Personality Disorder in Nova Scotia or Ontario.