Rupe Hilton

June 16, 1928 — April 1, 2016

Rupe Hilton, age 87, died unexpectedly at his home in Shoreline April 1.

Born in Wenatchee on June 16, 1928, to Harry R. Hilton Sr. and Elizabeth Reich, he was preceded in death by his younger brother Carl and his first wife of 42 years Leona.

Rupe loved his friends and family, which included his wife of 18 years Nancy Owen; son Scott (Diane); daughter Holly Hilton-Jones (Jonathan); stepsons, Mark, Steve, Mike and Jeff Owen; 10 grandkids; and four great-grandkids.

Rupe was a simple man with a big heart who loved to make others feel special. He was a humble follower of Jesus. Every day he read the Bible, prayed and served.

He worked at Sears for 44 years, served his country during the Korean War, played Santa Claus at The Bon and was an active member of Richmond Beach First Lutheran Church.

He considered every day a gift and lived life with joy and purpose (and gave paybacks to those who had it coming).

Rupe’s legacy lives on in the lives of the hundreds of boys he led in BSA Troop 85. Rupe also spent 40 summers at Camp Brinkley, showing everyone there how to have fun.

He told you how he felt, what he liked and didn’t like, and let you know the truth, even though it might hurt.

He will be deeply missed on earth, but we look forward to being with him in Heaven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rupe’s memory to The Forgotten Children’s Fund or the BSA.