Obituary of Oran Percy Hiltz

Oran Percival “Bobby” Hiltz, 98, long-time resident of Ross Corner, passed away at the Grand View Manor on the afternoon of October 19, 2022 after suffering with dementia for several years. Born on March 21, 1924 in Garland, he was the eldest son of the late Percy and Florence (Dodge) Hiltz.

He was a member of the Black Rock Baptist Church. During the 1930s, as the eldest son, he was forced to leave school as a boy with only a Grade 4 education, and work with his father to help provide for the family. This strong work ethic stayed with him all through his life and was passed on to his children and grandchildren. His father taught him the art of making barrels, and eventually he worked in his own cooper shop at Ross Corner. He made barrels for various Valley farmers and contributed to the growing apple industry in the Annapolis Valley. He later became a Licensed Mechanic and worked at Fred MacLean’s garage in Woodville, as well as Don Denney Datsun in Berwick and North Alton, specializing in Datsun and Toyota vehicles. He owned and operated his own garage “Oran’s Auto Service” in North Alton and New Minas, where he was well known as a great mechanic and a truthful, honest man. He finished his working career as a mechanic at Ken-Wo Golf Course, where he retired.

He enjoyed traveling around the province with his wife, Elsie, and camping in their trailer. He always kept himself busy outside driving his tractor or bulldozer, cutting and splitting his firewood, tending to his vegetable garden and greenhouse, or helping family members repair their vehicles. He loved watching his grandchildren play, they kept him feeling young at heart. He could not pass up the challenge of a good puzzle or Sudoku and was able to solve his Rubik’s Cube. He would often challenge family and friends to solve his various puzzles. He also enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels, feeding them right out of his hand. As the years went by, he would spend many hours sitting on his deck swing enjoying the beauty of nature in his backyard. He remained at home with his wife until 2017 when his diminishing health forced him to leave for long-term care. For the past five years, he lived at the Grand View Manor where he received excellent care and loved to joke around and carry on with the nurses.

He is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Elsie (Misner), currently residing at Grand View Manor; sons, Clarence (Elaine), Ross Corner; Downey (Sue), Oxford Station, Ontario; and Steven, Ottawa, Ontario; daughter, Sharon (Michael) Keddy, Ross Corner; daughter-in-law, Stephanie Hiltz, Berwick; grandchildren, Nikki Hiltz, Robbie (Natasha) Hiltz, Ryan (Angela) Hiltz, Tracy Hiltz, Jason Hiltz, Adam (Jessica) Hiltz, Denver (Meg Antonick) Hiltz, Leanna (Corey Bennett) Hiltz, Mitchell (Joline) Keddy, and Kody (Tatiana Connors) Keddy; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great great-granddaughter; sisters, Dorothy Peterson, and Laura Misner; sister-in-law, Nina Hiltz; several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his eldest son, Terry Hiltz; sister, Phyllis Sanford; brothers, Harry Hiltz, and Shirley Hiltz; sister-in-law, Annie Hiltz; brothers-in-law, Roy Peterson, Carl Sanford, and Roy “Buddy” Misner.

Oran’s family would like to thank the VON for his care while living at home, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Grand View Manor for his daily care and friendship, especially during the Covid lock-down. A special thank you to Stephanie Hiltz and Aunt Jean Reeves for the many visits while Dad resided at the Manor.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 26 between 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Serenity Funeral Home, Coldbrook. Funeral service to take place on Thursday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Black Rock Baptist Church, 1248 Russia Road, Black Rock. Burial to follow in the East Black Rock Cemetery. According to Oran’s wishes, there will be no reception (Face masks are not mandatory, but strongly suggested). In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses–Annapolis Valley Branch, Grand View Manor, or East Black Rock Cemetery.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, 34 Coldbrook Village Park Dr., Coldbrook, NS, B4R 1B9 (902-679-2822).