Robert T. Hilburn

Robert Theron Hilburn, 1939-2016, Age 77 Robert (Bob) was born on April 15, 1939 in Denver Colorado to Theron and Grace Hilburn. Growing up in Denver, he attended Lincoln Elementary and Byers Middle School. Throughout these formidable years, he was fascinated by aviation and model airplanes and trains. His life had been influenced by relatives fighting in World War II. Responsibility and leadership would guide his life forever. Bob graduated as the ROTC leader in 1957 from South High School in Denver. He made the difficult choice to serve his country and enlisted in the Army shortly after graduation. Following the lifelong passion for aviation, his military assignment took him into the 101st Airborne Division where he worked as a Parachute Rigger. Bob was honorably discharged from the Army in 1960. Upon the return to home in Denver after his service, Bob re-entered civilian life and gained employment as a Draftsman/Designer at the Bureau of Reclamation. He worked on many water storage facility projects in the Western United States. After a brief courtship Bob married his soul mate and love of his life, Barbara Parrott in March of 1962. They were blessed their first child, David in May of 1963. Bob had taken a job with the Denver Water Department designing and drafting water pipeline projects around the city. Their second child, Eric arrived in January of 1966. Another change of employment took Bob to the engineering firm Stearns-Roger. Continuing his drafting career, he worked on many power plant and petro-chemical projects. Bob decided that he needed a change of pace, and sought different employment. One of his high school friends, Ed Bloom, suggested he take the police officer entrance exam. Bob threw his hat in the ring, and was accepted into the Denver Police Academy. Accepted at the age of 32, he graduated the Academy as the Outstanding Recruit of his class. Upon becoming a Patrolman and starting his career at District 1, he had finally found the calling of his life on November 1, 1971. In October 1973, the welcomed their third son Matt home. In 1976, Bob was chosen to go to the Traffic Institute at Northwestern University. He worked in many different departments through his tenure from Traffic Operations and the Firing Range, to the Property Bureau, Communications and Personnel. Bob got to dust off his drafting skills for the new District 4 Station, and helped the architect throughout the construction process. Bob worked hard over the years to climb the ranks, first making Sergeant, then Lieutenant, and finally made Captain. After 32 years of service, he retired from the Department on November 1, 2003. Now retired, life had Bob enjoying time at home with his wife and 2 cats, Vinnie and Guido. He enjoyed travel and yard work, working on cars as well as helping his sons and others. Bob met many people throughout the years, and many friendships have been made. March of this was Bob and Barbara's celebration of 54 years of blessed marriage. On August 4th, Bob was called home for his final mission to soar with the eagles. Bob is survived by his wife Barbara and sons David (Kim), Eric, and Matt Hilburn; sisters Julie Moriarty and Sheri Plybon; as well as seven nieces and nephews. Bob's brother Frank passed in November 2009. 'A Rendezvous With Destiny'

Reception:
Calvary Chapel
9052 W. Ken Caryl Ave.
Littleton, CO
80128