Philip Hilton

Philip Hilton was an extraordinary man who was fully dedicated both to the Catholic faith and the farming industry; his life completely shaped by both passions as well. He was no stranger to hard work, but he also knew how to play hard too, embracing each moment as though it was a gift tailor made just for him. Family was of the utmost importance to Phil and it was no secret that he adored the children who were truly blessed to call him “Dad.”

The 1940s were marked primarily by WWII which caused a revolution in productivity on the farm and finally brought an end to the horse-drawn era of farming. More and more farm workers left for the cities or the Army, and a tractor became the only way to get things done on the farm. Charles and Frieda (Rasch) Hilton, of Grand Rapids, Michigan were preparing for the birth of their first child, an event that would transform their family as well. They were indeed blessed on July 23, 1947 with the healthy birth of their son, Philip Warren. Phil was born and raised as an only child on the family farm as his father was a third-generation fruit farmer in Alpine Township. In light of this, it could be argued that Phil had farming in his blood. He learned the trade working alongside his father and his Uncle Lowell from an early age. In addition to farming, the Catholic faith was another cornerstone in Phil’s life that was established during his formative years as his family was devout members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Farming wasn’t the only passion Phil developed as a young boy as his life was filled with additional dynamics as well. He attended Millpond Elementary and West Catholic High School from which he graduated in 1966. Phil also loved to fish for a variety of breeds and he liked to hunt too, primarily for small game including squirrel, rabbit, and pheasant. After gradating from high school, Phil attended Ferris State University for a semester where he studied diesel mechanics.

Also during this time, Phil met a pretty young girl named Gloria Bradfield while he was at a local Big Boy Restaurant when he was just 19, she was 18. . The couple talked for two hours and there was an instant attraction, Phil leaving with her phone number. After a week, he called Gloria and a dating relationship which would last over two years ensued. Deeply in love, they were married in her home parish, St. Mary’s, on November 7, 1969. Since the fruit needed to be picked at that time, the newlyweds took a short 3 day honeymoon to the upper penninsula. The couple built a home on 4 mile Road and later moved into his grandparent’s home also on 4 mile, before they built what would be Phil’s final home, again on 4 mile Road.

In the midst of establishing a home, Philip and Gloria decided to try their hand at parenting, becoming foster parents, an endeavor they continued for the next 28 years. Through this opportunity, they were blessed with their first child, Terri, born in 1964 followed by Heather, in 1982 and Nichole, in 1984. He was a dedicated father and showed each of his children love in a way that spoke to each of them uniquely. Phil shared his lifelong passion for tractors, which included both tinkering with them and collecting them, with his daughter Nichole. She often worked right alongside her father on the tractors and she developed her own knowledge-base about them too. They often went to shows together, even showing a tractor or two at shows in the area. Phil shared his faith with his daughters as they always attended mass together and he modeled a vibrant prayer life for them as well.

Family was always of the greatest importance to Phil and the relationships he fostered with various family members were precious to him. He was close to his parents throughout his life and his mother’s death in 2006 was particularly difficult for him. Phil was also very close to his cousin, Dan Hilton, who was more like a brother than a cousin to him.

Phil was truly one-of-a-kind as evidenced by his particular interests and traits. His deep love for tractors left him with an extensive collection including international models such as an H, BN, C, and F12 and domestic models including a ’52 Ford, Minneapolis Moline, and a ’46 John Deere Model H, just to name a few. Phil also loved motorcycles and he had both a 2004 Harley Davidson Sportster and a Honda Shadow too, and he could often be found reading magazines about either tractors or motorcycles. Phil loved to watch American Chopper and the Sopranos on television, always listened to 1300 talk radio, and loved to read novels, mainly about the mafia. Phil satiated his love for fishing when each year he took a fishing trip with his fishing buddies to either Trout or Curtis Lake where they went walleye fishing. In 2007, he and Gloria along with friends, Eric and Ruth McClure and cousin, Dan, went on a dream cruise to Alaska. Phil was a thrifty person who knew the value of a dollar. He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always wisecracking.

Phil was plagued by many shoulder problems throughout his lifetime and even had a few repairs done. Recently, he again experienced shoulder issues and so he reluctantly went to the doctor where further tests revealed a blockage in his intestines. After surgery removed the tumors that were causing the blockage, they were tested and it was discovered that Phil had developed a rare form of cancer that had progressed beyond treatment. He then returned home where he embraced his family, his strong faith, and the inevitability of his death. He felt prepared for the end of his journey as he drew his last breath surrounded by his wife and daughter.

Whether he was working on his 4thgeneration fruit farm, showing a tractor at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds, or relaxing with an intriguing novel, Phil Hilton carried himself with integrity, compassion, and devotion to both his family and his faith. He spent his entire life living on 4 mile Road and to Phil, there was no sound like the running engine of his latest tractor project. Phil was a hard-working man with a strong work ethic and a vibrant life as evidenced by the rich tapestry of memories he leaves behind. He will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Philip W. Hilton died on Friday, May 22, 2009 in the presence of his loving family. Phil’s family includes his wife of 39 years, Gloria Hilton; his children, Nichole DeJonge, Terri Stonecipher, Heather Hilton; cousin, Daniel Hilton; mother-in-law, Dorothy Bradfield; sister-in-law Sue (Jim) Patnoude; brother-in-law Gary (Kathy) Bradfield; many nieces, nephews and friends; and his furry companion, his dog Mickie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Frieda Hilton and his uncle, Lowell Hilton. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic, 733 Bridge St. NW. Visit with Phil’s family and friends from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass begins.Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you may leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution in lieu of flowers, to Northwest Food Pantry or Hospice of Michigan.