1927 – 2016

CANTON — Rupert Collins Hiltz, 89, of Farmington, passed Sunday, Oct. 30, surrounded by his family at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in Canton where he had resided for a short time due to failing health.

He was born Oct. 29, 1927, in Farmington at the family home, one of three sons, to Raymond George and Ruth Belle (Collins) Hiltz Sr. He received his education in local schools and, as was so often the case for the youth of the “Greatest Generation,” his dad signed his paperwork to join the U.S. Marine Corps. After boot camp at Parris Island, he served as military police in the 2nd Marine Division in Yokosuka, Japan, from 1945-1948. He then served in the Marine Corps Reserve at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina until 1951.

On Oct. 20, 1951, he married Ruth Elinor Wentworth at the Eaton Memorial United Methodist Church in Livermore Falls. A marriage spanning 65 years, they worked hard and raised a loving family of five children.

Rupert was employed for many years at the Otis Mill and later International Paper, where he retired after 35 years of working in security. He was a member of the Quarter Century Club and was also a lifetime member of the Frank L. Mitchell VFW Post No. 3335 of Jay. Rupert will be remembered for his gardening skills, most notably his wonderful garlic that won several ribbons over the years at the Farmington Agricultural Fair. He was a unique individual who had a determined spirit and a great love and devotion for his immediate and extended family members. Daily, for years, he played Yahtzee with family and friends, and would engage in thought-provoking conversations.

He is survived and loved by his wife, Ruth, of Farmington; children, Kevin of Farmington, Douglas and his wife, Louise, of Wilton, Cheryl Moody and her husband, Russell, of Wilton; Stephen of Bangor, Joyce Roulhac and her husband, Jerome, of Killeen, Texas; “Grandpa’s Baby” Kelly Hiltz Malcolm, along with nine additional grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several special nephews, nieces, cousins, and their families.

He was predeceased by his brothers, Raymond Hiltz Jr. and Ronald Hiltz.

Tributes and condolences may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesrc.com where a memorial tribute video may also be viewed.