AUBURN — Frank “Skip” Hiltz, 67, of Auburn, owner of Tri-State Steel Inc went to be with the Lord on Feb. 26, from the Androscoggin Hospice after a two year battle with cancer.

Skip was born on Nov. 12, 1943, the son of Ruth Hiscock Hiltz and the late Frank Hiltz Jr. of Lewiston.

Frank graduated from Winthrop High School in 1962, then attended and graduated from Wentworth Institute in Massachusetts, majoring in metallurgy, getting his engineer degree.

He married Gail Claugh of Mount Vernon in 1964. They divorced 10 years later. They had three children, Penny Gagnon of Saco, Frank 4th from Alabama; and James from Arizona. Married children, Jim, Donna and Patrice.

He has five grandchildren, Jake, Dennis, and Ashley Becwar of Saco, Joseph and Izabella from Arizona, and two great-great-grandchildren, Adeline and Evan.

Skip loved the steel business and has taken great pride in designing and building the fabrication shop, an extension to the warehouse, also the large building in the yard. Plus, the great customers he’s enjoyed working with, helping their dreams to come true! His great love for music was playing his piano and organ. He could make you laugh or cry when he touched the keyboard.

When he played hymns, such as “The Lords Prayer,” “My God Is Real” and
“How Great Thou Art” you felt the presence of God.

Skip’s second wife was Mary Haile from Florida. She died in 2004.

He loved his two dogs, “Blackie” Lad and “Half Pint” his blue tick hound.

He leaves his mother, Ruth Hiltz of Lewiston; his sister, Judith Hiltz from Biddeford; his brother, Timothy P. Hiltz and wife, Patty, of Falmouth; his children and grandchildren; many aunts, uncles and cousins; also his great crew at Tri State Steel Inc., who will miss him very much!

He was predeceased by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Skip is now home with Jesus, his Lord. The hurts are all over!

“We love you Skip. We’ll miss you!” — Family.