Douglas Ludvig Hilde, 54, a resident of Sedro-Woolley, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2009 at the Life Care Center of Skagit Valley in Sedro-Woolley with his brother Jack at his side. His death was the ultimate outcome of a 30 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Douglas was born on May 10, 1955 in the old Memorial Hospital in Sedro-Woolley, the son of Leroy & Louise Gronemyer Hilde. He was aided into this world by his uncle, Dr. Harold Hopke and another community medical icon, Dr. Hunter. Douglas was welcomed by his brother Jack 16 and sister Anita 19.
In 1959, Douglas’s father, Leroy, died in an accident caused by a drunk driver. Two years later his mother, Louise, married Horst Clasing, which took her & Douglas to La Selva Beach, California. Douglas also lived for two years in Berrien Springs, Michigan with his sister Anita, where he graduated from high school. He then moved back to Skagit County where he spent many years in the construction industry, helping to build professional buildings, restaurants, churches and custom homes.
In 1979 Douglas and his wife Jane welcomed a daughter, Jessica Louise. Some years later Douglas married Rose Johnson and in 1987 their daughter, Marga Elena was born.
Douglas was a California surfer, he loved to read, enjoyed photography, the friendship of his favorite dogs and was proud of the many construction projects he was part of. His two daughters, son-in-law and grandson were the light of his life. He also had a strong, life-long relationship with his brother Jack and sister Anita, both of whom assisted with the basic care giving responsibilities in his life.
Douglas had a particularly aggressive form of MS and had spent the last ten years at the Life Care Center. He battled MS courageously, utilizing both traditional and alternative treatment therapies, always believing that a cure was just around the corner. Douglas passed away with a strong spiritual faith, knowing that his God in Heaven will provide him restoration of his 6’6′ muscular body, in perfect health and the never-ending joy of the relationships which have meant so much to him in his life.
Douglas was preceded in death by his father, Leroy Hilde in 1959; his step-father, Horst Clasing in 1982; his mother, Louise Gronemyer Hilde Clasing in 2005 and his brother-in-law, Dr. K. Robert Lang in 2003.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jessica & Josh Hartzog of Kansas City, KS and daughter, Marga Hilde and grandson, Logan Hilde of Mount Vernon. Brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Jack & Joan Hilde of Sedro-Woolley and sister, Anita Lang of La Conner. Nieces and nephews who were close to Douglas include John Hilde Burlington, Dr. & Mrs. Jason Hilde Big Lake, Jacqueline Hilde & Richard Cabe Issaquah, Kendell Lang Solana Beach, CA, Kristiana Lang Burlington and Drs. Kaarsten Lang & Lester Richards Bayview. A step-brother, Bob Connie Clasing and step-sisters, Ruth Don Phillips and Hilda Abe Perry, all of California. There are also many cousins who have been an important part of Douglas’s life.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the caring and faithful staff at the Life Care Center who spent so many years helping Douglas cope with the increasingly traumatic aspects of MS. He had many special friends there who proved ease and comfort to his difficult life. The family is also grateful to the staff at Skagit Hospice who helped him through his final days and to Drs. Ed Stickle, Vanoy Smith and Gilson Girotto for their wonderful support.
The family request that memorials be made to the National MS Society, Greater WA Chapter, 192 Nickerson St., Ste 100, Seattle, WA 98109 or online at http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/Doug.Hilde.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 3:00 P.M. at the North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist Church, 800 Peacock Lane & Highway 20 in Burlington. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
