GEORGE WALLACE "WALLY" HILLIARD was born in Bellingham, Washington, on November 18, 1927 to George Roscoe Hilliard and Mary Frances (Mattison) Hilliard. He died unexpectedly on August 18, 2010 in the home where he had lived for the past 53 years in Burlington, Washington. Wally received his early education at Harmony School in rural Whatcom County, and graduated from Bellingham High School in 1945. His interests ranged from playing football to performing in musicals. He possessed a rich baritone voice and also sang in a men's a capella choir. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Navy, then attended Western Washington College. On June 11, 1948, he was united in marriage to Helen Adele Dwelle. Settling in Burlington, the Hilliards raised a family of four children. When the Shell Oil Refining Company opened its plant in Anacortes, Wally was among the first hired. He worked there for 29 years, retiring in 1985. As a young man, he hunted large game as well as pheasant. He particularly enjoyed the training and companionship of his bird dogs. After retirement, with their children grown, the Hilliards traveled across the United States in their motorhome. Once their grandkids started arriving, wanderlust took second place to spending time at home where they frequently entertained the whole family, with crowds numbering 30-plus on some occasions. Wally had a green thumb, and he spent many hours maintaining his yard, flowerbeds, fruit trees and vegetable garden. He took up golfing and played regularly until very recently. Even after he quit bothering to keep score, he faithfully kept his tee time for the exercise the game provided, and for the friendships he had developed over the years at Avalon Golf Course. He was a member of the American Legion and the Elks Club. Mr. Hilliard was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother, Kenneth Roscoe Hilliard; and his beloved wife Helen in 2005. He is survived by his son, the Reverend Dr. Doug Hilliard (wife Ann) of Rabun Gap, GA; daughter Karen Woollen (husband Dave) of Samish Island, WA; son Tom Hilliard (wife Sherrie) of Bay View, WA; and daughter Nancy Hanlon (husband Carl) of Des Moines, WA. His 12 grandchildren, in order of birth, are Traci Washington (husband George); Jason Hilliard (wife Keri); Aimee France (husband Gary); Jolene Strumlauf (husband Shawn); Amanda Baughman (husband Robert); Paula Williamson (husband Adam); Cassa Wing (husband Clay); Brendon Hilliard (wife Cassie); Jessica Nevins (husband Mike); Roscoe Hanlon, Carly Hanlon, and Emma Hanlon. His 15 great-grandchildren are Angelisa, Sydney and Kendrick Washington; Micah and Matthew Hilliard; Gracie and Chloe France; Addison Strumlauf; Ryan, Joshua and Katherine Baughman; Meredith and Gunnar Williamson; Aria Wing; and Peyton Hilliard. Wally will be deeply missed. He leaves a strong legacy of steadfast integrity, honesty, hard work, humor and wisdom that will not be forgotten. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society or a charitable organization of your choice. A Memorial Service will be held Monday, August 30, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon