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David James Hillen July 07, 1941 - November 26, 2005 David passed away peacefully at home with his “soul friend”, Janet, at his side on Saturday November 26th, 2005, in his 65th year. David will be remembered for being a humanitarian with a sense of wonder, compassion, integrity and wit. Pre-deceased by his father Alfred (1950), mother Anna (1989) and sister- in -law Liz (2005). Adored husband of Janet. Cherished father of Heather (Scott), Andrew (Tracy), Amanda, Stephen (Heather). Loved grandfather of Joshua and Ainsley. Special uncle to Robin (Jason) and “Uncle Grandpa” to Julia and Justin. David will also be missed by sister Anna (Chris); parents-in-law Joseph and Jeannette Hynek; brother-in-law Paul, nieces, nephews, extended family and treasured lifelong and recent friends. Born in Toronto, educated at Victoria College, (U of T), David retired from teaching English in Kitchener, Toronto, Stoney Creek and Mississauga for 30 years. He also taught Philosophy and Religion in Spanish with the Baptist Mission Corps in Bolivia. He loved canoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, running, traveling, and gardening. He treasured time spent at the cottage on Lake Erie. David also loved words. Reading and writing were his passions. He was a published poet, freelance writer, and, with his wife, co-authored a column for the Hamilton Spectator –“Living Downtown: Familiarity Breeds Content”. He valued time spent with valued writing friends in Hamilton, and, in recent years, playing Scrabble with friends and family alike. David was a dedicated volunteer at the Good Shepherd Hospice. He initiated and, along with many community neighbours and partners, implemented the “Cannon Can” beautification project with the help of the Hamilton Community Foundation. Friends are welcome to visit at Dodsworth and Brown, Robinson Chapel, Funeral Home, 15 West Avenue North, at the corner of King and Wellington Street, Hamilton, (905-522-2496) on Wednesday November 30th from 7 – 9 p.m. A memorial service to honour David and celebrate his life will be held at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, 170 Dundurn Street South, Hamilton (905-527-8441) Thursday December 1st at 10:30 a.m. Cremation to follow. Heartfelt thanks for the exemplary, caring, person-centred care given to David by nurses Catherine Chant-Gambacort and Karen Harkness at the Heart Function Clinic, McMaster; all Cardiac staff at the Hamilton General Hospital, and responsive Paramedics. Instead of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations to a favourite charity, the Neighbourhood Program of the Hamilton Community Foundation or the Social Action Committee of First Unitarian Church in Hamilton. anam cara