Waterloo Region Generations
A record of the people of Waterloo Region, Ontario.
Percy Richard Hilborn

Percy Richard Hilborn

Male 1886 - 1972  (86 years)

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Generation: 1

  1. 1.  Percy Richard HilbornPercy Richard Hilborn was born 14 Jun 1886, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 18 Oct 1972, Galt (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried , Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Business: Preston Furniture Company, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Business: Canadian Office and School Furniture Co., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Canadian Office and School Furniture Co.
    • Business: Preston Furniture Company, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Preston Furniture Company
    • Interesting: business, mill, convervation
    • Name: P. R. Hilborn
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-352701
    • Residence: 1891, Kitchener, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Anglican
    • Occupation: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Manufacturer
    • Residence: 1911, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; Anglican
    • Residence: 1972, 160 Grandview Rd., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada
    • Hall of Fame - Waterloo Region: Bef 2012, , Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    HILBORN, Percy R.

    Of 160 Grandview Rd., Preston, at the South Waterloo Memorial Hospital, Wednesday, Oct. 18, 1972, Percy R. Hilborn, beloved husband of the late Gertrude Wells; beloved father of Richard C. of Preston, John W. of Deep River, Helen (Mrs. Paul Birdie) of Ottawa, Elinor (Mrs. John Hueton) of Oakville; also survived by 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; in his 87th year. Private funeral service Friday. Cremation. Arrangements by the Barthel-Stager Funeral Home, Preston.

    Kitchener-Waterloo Record 20 Oct 1972 pg 24

    _________________________________________

    Percy was educated at McGill University graduating in 1909 with a degree in Mining and Metallurgy. He spent the first 10 years working in engineering and design for Clare Bros. Ltd. in Preston, in which he father had an interest. In 1914 in partnership with Reg Sears he purchased Salyerds Manufacturing Co. makers of hockey sticks and brushes. He sold out to Irving Bernhardt in 1919 and purchased the Preston Furniture Company from Frank Moss. The company then bought Baird Furniture and Sawmill in Plattsville where in 1931 he established the Canada Sand Papers Company. He acquired a number of other businesses (listed in the original article). He was involved in things such as Waterloo County Health Assocation, Preston Rotary Club, Preston Planning Board, University of Waterloo, Stratford Festival Theatre and Scouting.

    Cambridge Mosaic , Jim Quantrell, 1998, City of Cambridge [abbreviated snippet from original text in book]

    ______________________________


    A Gem in the Heart of Cambridge

    The passion Elinor and John Hueton have for Dumfries Conservation Area is evident with every footfall as they walk through this hidden gem in the centre of Cambridge. They know this land intimately. Elinor was born in Cambridge (Preston) in a home on the banks of the Grand River in 1931. Many of her early memories relate to the river playing hockey on it, visiting the islands in its centre and climbing a big "Christopher Robin" tree to look out and see the Doon Pinnacle in the distance before the tower was constructed. John became an environmentalist during his teens in Cape Town, South Africa. Although they spent most of their lives away, they moved back to Puslinch in 1990. "My father was an environmentalist long before his time. He bought the first farm in 1916 and others up to 1967. He wanted to preserve some untouched green space in the heart of the city in which people could relax and enjoy nature," Elinor said. He donated the land for a park to the province, which later turned it over to the GRCA to develop and mannage.

    They formed the Friends of Dumfries Conservation Area, an organization made up of neighbours and people interested in the park, who have been concerned about development around the park. The group has done their best to promote and protect the piece of wilderness in the heart of the city. In 1998 Elinor received a Grand River Conservation Watershed Award and her father received a posthumous Honour Roll award in 1976, the first year this award was given out by the GRCA. Dumfries has many other supporters including the three Rotary Clubs of Cambridge and nearby Babcock and Wilcox. "We're continuing a legacy started by my father, Percy Hilborn, who donated 75 hectares of land 43 years ago so it could be kept unspoiled as a quiet park in perpetuity. His ideas were reinforced by my late sister Helen Bridle, who was also a steward of the property," Elinor said. What they love most is to walk through with a first-time visitor. They revel in the delighted exclamations at some of the biggest trees in Waterloo Region, the old growth forest, the plantation forests planted by Elinor's father, a babbling creek, five wetlands and the Hilborn Arboretum. The terrain is varied which makes it full of surprises. The Huetons estimate 150,000 visits are made to Dumfries each year, but still many residents have never stepped inside the vast interior. Dumfries is what the GRCA calls a passive recreation area, since it is not used for camping or swimming and it is free to visitors. John recalls a teacher who brought his class to a forested area and then asked the students to be quiet for five minutes. Their comments were, "but it is so silent." "At the centre of the woods surrounded by busy roads and shopping centres, you can find a perfect silence but for the sigh of the wind and the trees above," John said. The Hilborn Arboretum In 1984, the Hilborn Arboretum was developed on two hectares at the corner of Dunbar Road and Hespeler Road by the Preston, Hespeler, and Galt Horticultural Societies. The Arboretum was a provincial centennial year project. Nearly 1,000 trees and shrubs were planted, including approximately 75 tree species.

    By Janet Baine GRCA Communications Specialist, Grand Actions, THE GRAND STRATEGY NEWSLETTER Volume 15, Number 3 - MAY/JUNE 2011

    _________

    HERAL Percy Hilborn dies at 86

    Percy R. Hilborn, one of Waterloo County's best known industrialists, died Oct. 19 at South Waterloo Memorial Hospital. He was year 86.

    A former owner of Canadian Office and School Furniture Co., Mr. Hilborn was also a director of many large business concerns.

    He was a director of Waterloo Trust since 1927 and was its vice-president from 1955 to 1968. Following the merger to form Canada Trust, he was a director until his retirement early this year.

    In the past Mr. Hilborn has been associated with Equitable Life Assurance Co. of Canada, Canada Sand Papers Ltd., Plattsville and Hahn Brass Ltd., of New Hamburg.

    A long-time member and former chairman of the Preston planning board, he was also a charter president of the Preston Hespeler Rotary Club.

    Included in his wide range of interests was the Scouting movement. Receiving one of scouting's highest awards, the silver acorn, he was responsible for the reorganization of the movement after the last world war and was president in 1939 and vice-president in 1936.

    Mr. Hilborn, who lived at 160 Grandview Rd., was predeceased by his wife, the former Gertrude Wells.

    Surviving are two sons, Richard C. of Preston and John W. of Deep River; two daughters, Mrs. Paul (Helen) Birdle of Ottawa and Mrs. John (Elinor) Hueton of Oakville; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

    Times Herald 25 Oct 1972

    Percy married Gertrude Rosina Wells 18 Jul 1914, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. Gertrude (daughter of Dr. Mayor Walter Wells, L.D.S. and Rosina Roos) was born 25 Jun 1888, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 28 Mar 1953, London, Middlesex, Ontario, Canada; was buried 31 Mar 1953, Preston Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada. [Group Sheet]

    Children:
    1. 2. John W. Hilborn  Descendancy chart to this point
    2. 3. Elinor Hilborn  Descendancy chart to this point
    3. 4. Helen Joan Hilborn  Descendancy chart to this point was born 23 Dec 1916, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Dec 2004, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    4. 5. Major Richard Cornell "Dick" Hilborn  Descendancy chart to this point was born 10 May 1918; died 21 Feb 2006, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.


Generation: 2

  1. 2.  John W. Hilborn Descendancy chart to this point (1.Percy1)

  2. 3.  Elinor Hilborn Descendancy chart to this point (1.Percy1)

    Elinor — John Hueton. [Group Sheet]


  3. 4.  Helen Joan Hilborn Descendancy chart to this point (1.Percy1) was born 23 Dec 1916, Preston (Cambridge), Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 17 Dec 2004, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Helen Joan Bridle
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-352853

    Notes:

    BRIDLE, Helen - At 87, peacefully, at her home, with her family, on December 17, 2004.

    Loving mother of Liska M.E. Jetchick. Devoted grandmother of John Bridle Jetchick and Liska Helen Jetchick. Dear sister of John W. Hilborn, Eleanor Hueton (Hilborn), and Richard C. Hilborn. Deeply missed by a great many devoted friends and loving family.

    A service to celebrate Helen's remarkable life will be held 11 am Tuesday, December 21, 2004 at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, 820 King St., Cambridge, ON.

    In lieu of flowers, donations to The War Amps or the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

    Arrangements in care of Barthel Funeral Home,

    "A pleasure is not full grown until it is remembered."
    The Record Dec 2004.jpg

    Helen — Ambassador Paul Augustus Bridle. Paul was born 15 Oct 1914, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada; died 18 Feb 1988, Ottawa, Carleton Co., Ontario, Canada; was buried , Beechwood Cemetery, Ottawa, Carleton Co., Ontario. [Group Sheet]


  4. 5.  Major Richard Cornell "Dick" Hilborn Descendancy chart to this point (1.Percy1) was born 10 May 1918; died 21 Feb 2006, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Military: WW2 - officer of 1 Can Para
    • Name: R. C. Hilborn
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-352851

    Notes:

    Maj. R.C. Hilborn (ret.)

    February 23rd, 2006 by Rob

    Richard "Dick" Hilborn, former 2IC of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion, died on Tuesday Feb. 21 in Waterloo, Ont. of a heart attack.

    Maj. Hilborn was the last surviving officer of 1 Can Para who participated in all of the famed regiment's exploits during WWII. Maj. Hilborn received a field promotion to 2IC after the death of CO Col. Jeff Nicklin during the Rhine drop in March 1945 at the same time Col. Fraser Eadie assumed command. Col. Eadie died in August, 2003.

    Maj. Hilborn remained active in the Association up to the time of his death. The funeral is scheduled for Wednesday March 1 at St. John's Anglican Church in Cambridge, Ont.

    As expressions of sympathy, the family asks that donations be made instead to The War Amps of Canada, 1 Maybrook Dr., Scarborough, Ont. M1V 5K9

    "Commando.Org > Blog Archive > Maj. R.C. Hilborn (Ret.)". 2020. Commando.Org. https://www.commando.org/2006/02/23/maj-rc-hilborn-ret/.

    Richard — Lauretta Parsons. [Group Sheet]

    Children:
    1. 6. Karen Laurette Hilborn  Descendancy chart to this point was born 24 Apr 1947, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Jul 1986, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 8 Jul 1986, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.
    2. 7. Richard Norman "Rick" Hilborn  Descendancy chart to this point was born 17 Oct 1949, Cambridge, , Washington, New York, United States; died 17 Dec 2020.


Generation: 3

  1. 6.  Karen Laurette Hilborn Descendancy chart to this point (5.Richard2, 1.Percy1) was born 24 Apr 1947, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; died 5 Jul 1986, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada; was buried 8 Jul 1986, Mount View Cemetery, Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada.

    Other Events:

    • Name: Karen Laurette Chaplin
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-415366
    • Residence: 1986, 18 Brant Rd., N., Cambridge, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada

    Notes:

    CHAPLIN, Karen Laurette

    Passed away on Saturday, July 5, 1986, at Cambridge Memorial Hospital, Karen Hilborn, of 18 Brant Rd. N., Cambridge, in her 40th year. Beloved wife of R. Gordon Chaplin and dear mother of James and William, both at home; dear daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Hilborn of Elora and dear daughter-in-law of Mrs. Helen Chaplin of Cambridge; granddaughter of Norman Parsons of Cambridge; dear sister of Richard Hilborn and Michael Hilborn, both of Cambridge and Kirsten Hilborn of Toronto. Mrs. Chaplin was born in Cambridge on April 24, 1947 and lived in Cambridge most of her life. A member of Trinity Anglican Church, past president of Cambridge and District Association for the Mentally Retarded, a director of the board of the K-W Symphony, a director of the board of the Stratford Festival and a voluntary board member of the Cambridge Public Library. At the request of the family, there will be no visitation at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Anglican Church, Cambridge, on Tuesday, July 8, 1986 at 2 p.m. Private family interment to follow, in Mount View cemetery, Cambridge.

    Kitchener-Waterloo Record 7 Jul 1986 pg D15

    Karen — R. Gordon "Gordon" Chaplin. R. was born CA 1947; died Yes, date unknown. [Group Sheet]


  2. 7.  Richard Norman "Rick" Hilborn Descendancy chart to this point (5.Richard2, 1.Percy1) was born 17 Oct 1949, Cambridge, , Washington, New York, United States; died 17 Dec 2020.

    Other Events:

    • Business: Hilborn Pottery
    • Name: Rick Hilborn
    • Eby ID Number: Waterloo-217290

    Notes:

    Family, friends mourn 'father figure' Rick Hilborn

    By James Jackson Record Reporter

    CAMBRIDGE - Lisa Hilborn always looked up to her father as a charismatic, caring and optimistic man.

    It wasn't until his death earlier this month of cancer that she realized just how many others felt the same way about Rick Hilborn, the longtime owner of Hilborn Pottery with his wife Nancy. Lisa said friends and former employees have reached out to offer their condolences following his death on Dec. 17 and many described him using the same phrase.

    "The number of people who have used the words 'father figure' to describe him is astounding to me," she said Wednesday.

    Rick, 71, was born in Cambridge and was well-known throughout town. Rick and Nancy were married for 41 years and also have two sons, Ian and Mackie, and three grandchildren.

    A dedicated athlete and coach, Rick was a top-10 ranked junior tennis player in Canada as a teenager and spent more than 25 years coaching, mentoring and building minor hockey in Cambridge. He was also a part-owner of the Cambridge Winter Hawks.

    "He was a natural-born leader; people gravitated to him and they would try to do well under his wing," said Lisa, who now runs the pottery shop with her husband.

    Born Oct. 17, 1949, Rick attended Hillfield Strathallan College (an independent school in Hamilton) and Upper Canada College, followed by Wilfrid Laurier University and the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto.

    Lisa said her mother was the artist behind Hilborn Pottery and her father mainly ran the business side of the operation, including marketing and sales. Together they sold pottery across North America for more than four decades, and Rick was board president of the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association from 2005 to 2007.

    He was also fascinated by nature and loved tending to his bird feeders. He could spot a red-tailed hawk from any distance.

    "He was a really positive guy, never in a bad mood and always optimistic," said Lisa. "That was pretty special."

    He also loved playing cards, whether it was cribbage or euchre, and Lisa said he won his final cribbage game against her just before his death.

    "I couldn't even say how many games I played with him over the past few months," she said. The siblings formed a pandemic bubble with him during the summer to ensure they could be with him as much as possible, and took turns spending the night at his house.

    A huge fan of rock and roll, Rick had around 1,200 records, Lisa said, and his favourite bands were British rockers The Kinks and The Rolling Stones. The family will hold a celebration of life when the pandemic is over and they can gather safely with friends and family.

    Rick helped arrange a playlist of songs to be played at the event, with "Got to be Free" by The Kinks at the top of the list.

    "For as long as I can remember, even before he got sick, he wanted that played at his celebration of life," Lisa said. "We hope anyone who knew my dad will play it and choose to reflect on him."

    "Family, Friends Mourn 'Father Figure' Rick Hilborn". 2020. Therecord.Com. https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/2020/12/23/family-friends-mourn-father-figure-rick-hilborn.html.

    _______________________

    Born in Cambridge, ON October 17, 1949 - December 17, 2020 With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Rick at home with his family after a lengthy journey with cancer. Survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Nancy Macnaughton-Hilborn. He was a truly dedicated father to his three children, Ian (Nathalie), Mackie (Shannon), and Lisa (Tyler). Proud Papa Trick to grandchildren Mitchell, Marty, and Penelope. Survived by his mother Laurette (Ron) Pond and brother Michael. He was a loyal friend, brother-in-law, nephew, and uncle to many. Rick was predeceased by his father R.C. Hilborn and his sisters Karen Chaplin and Kirsten Andrews. Rick was educated at Hillfield Strathallan and Upper Canada College followed by Wilfrid Laurier University and OISIE - University of Toronto. Rick and Nancy created Hilborn Pottery in 1979 in Cambridge and have continued alongside their dedicated team selling pottery across North America for over 40 years. He was board President of the Canadian Gift and Tableware Association from 2005-2007. Rick was a hockey fanatic, golf enthusiast, tennis and cards player (he won the final game of cribbage) and especially a lover of all sports, following all leagues. He took much pleasure in watching the Hawks win multiple Stanley Cups at the peril of Leafs fans - GO HAWKS. He was a top-10 ranked junior tennis player in Canada as a teenager. Rick spent over 25 years coaching, mentoring and building Minor Hockey in Cambridge. He was supervisor of travel coaches for three years. He was also involved as a part-owner of the Cambridge Winter Hawks. Where Rick shined the most was his love and devotion to friends, family and those he met along the way. He was known for being a kind soul and connected to everyone he met. He brought out the best in people and inspired all those around him. He put family first and always sacrificed for others. He was a true role model and was loved in his community. Rick was a natural teacher and leader, he had a quick wit, and his humour and laugh were contagious. He had an extensive knowledge of politics, history, and most importantly, rock and roll. He was also fascinated by nature, always tending to his beloved bird feeders and being able to spot a red-tailed hawk from any distance. Travel was another one of Rick's passions and he and Nancy visited Israel and Jordan as recently as October 2019. Other highlights include a safari in South Africa, a family trip to Bangkok and Beijing, Egypt and seeing the shores of Normandy in France, and Rick always had a great interest in Nicaragua. One last 17 for our Dad. Thank you Dad, for everything. We will miss you so much but we will be ok because of the unbreakable family bond that you and Mom created. We know you'll watch over us. And we'll be listening. Rest Easy, Dad. We love you. Cremation and a family visitation have taken place. A Rocking Celebration of Life will be held for Rick when restrictions lift. In memory of Rick, donations may be made to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation. The family would like to thank Princess Margaret Hospital for their specialists and clinical trials and the LHIN of Waterloo Region which allowed Rick to stay at home with his family. If you would like to reflect upon Rick, please do so while listening to Got To Be Free by the Kinks. Family and friends are invited to sign Rick's online book of condolences by visiting Coutts Funeral Home webpage at www.couttsfuneralhome.com

    "Richard HILBORN Obituary (1949 - 2020) - Waterloo Region Record". 2020. Legacy.Com. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/therecord-waterloo/obituary.aspx?n=richard-norman-hilborn-rick&pid=197349576&fhid=2772.

    Richard — Nancy MacNaughton. [Group Sheet]