Richard Norman "Rick" Hilborn

1949 - 2020  (71 years)

• Name	Richard Norman "Rick" Hilborn
  Born	17 Oct 1949	Cambridge, , Washington, New York, United States
  Gender	Male
  Business	Hilborn Pottery
  Name	Rick Hilborn
  Eby ID Number	Waterloo-217290
  Died	17 Dec 2020
  Person ID	I217290	Generations
  Last Modified	12 May 2024

  
  

  Father	Major Richard Cornell "Dick" Hilborn,   b. 10 May 1918,   d. 21 Feb 2006, Waterloo City, Waterloo Region, Ontario, Canada  (Age 87 years)
  Mother	Lauretta Parsons
  Family ID	F17358	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Nancy MacNaughton
  Last Modified	13 May 2024
  Family ID	F59282	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• 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.

  
  

• Event Map

  Born - 17 Oct 1949 - Cambridge, , Washington, New York, United States  = Link to Google Earth