In memoriam: Harley Hiller, 1927 - 2011

Harley Edward Hiller, Jr., son of Rev. Harley and Mildred (Hauk) Hiller, was born Oct. 11, 1927, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Most of Harley's youth was spent in Blue Earth, Minnesota, to which name he often comically referred. He had good friends and enjoyed sports and music.

At the end of high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in World War II in the field of aviation electronics and served stateside. At the end of the war, he re-enlisted for an additional two years.

Harley went to college at Westmar College in Iowa, meeting his true love, life companion and future wife, Joyce Darville, who was also a student. They dated, were engaged, and married June 1, 1949, in Le Mars, Iowa. He graduated from college and continued on to the University of Minnesota where he received his masters and doctorate degrees in history. In 1955, Harley and Joyce made the decision to move out west when Harley took a position at Olympic College teaching American history and coaching tennis.

In 1957, Harley took a teaching position at Western Washington State College (now Western Washington University) teaching U.S., Latin American and Canadian history for more than 35 years. He was a much-beloved professor.

Harley and Joyce had many adventures together, including playing tennis, golfing, sailing, skiing, canoeing and playing racquetball. They enjoyed traveling; a favorite destination this past 20 years was to the California desert, where they would spend part of the winter every year. They took a quarter and taught in Morelia, Mexico. Another quarter was spent teaching at the University of Maine. After retirement, they spent two quarters at North Park University in Chicago, with Harley teaching history.

Harley served in many different ministry positions in the Presbyterian church, including church and Bible study leader, teacher, and, with Joyce, choir singer. Above all, he was a noble servant of the Lord. He served several years as president of the board for Love INC (In the Name of Christ), a ministry serving the needs of Whatcom County.

After a brief illness, Harley passed on to be with Jesus, his Lord and Savior, on Oct. 5, 2011.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce, his sister, Maggie Rowe, of Washington, D.C., his son Steve with wife, Marion, his son Dave with wife Deb, and his three grand-daughters, Alia, Amory and Anna. They all cherish wonderful memories of Harley.

Donations in memory of Harley will be welcomed at Birchwood Presbyterian Church and Whatcom Hospice House.