It is with deep sadness that the family of Donald “Don/ Donnie” Murray Hiltz announces his peaceful passing on July 12, 2026, at the age of 81, with his loving family by his side.
Born on March 13, 1945, in New Ross, Nova Scotia, Don spent his childhood surrounded by the close-knit community and rural landscapes that helped shape the man he would become. In 1969, he married the love of his life, Valerie, and together they settled in St. Peter’s, Nova Scotia, where they built a life together, raised their family, and became rooted in the community they loved.
Don’s life was defined by service. He proudly served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a sonarman aboard HMCS Victoriaville, HMCS Qu’Appelle, and HMCS Assiniboine, including patrols in international waters off the coast of Cuba in 1962 during the Cuban Missile Crisis. The values of duty, loyalty, and commitment that shaped his military service remained with him throughout his life.
A welder by trade, Don worked as a boilermaker in the construction industry before being hired by Stora Forest Industries in Port Hawkesbury in the mid 1970s. Following the February 8, 1982, explosion at Stora, Don was among the small group of employees who stayed back to help get the mill into operation. He retired from the Pulp Mill in 2003. No matter where he worked, Don was known as a dependable, hardworking man who took pride in doing a job well.
His years of service include being a member of The Royal Canadian Legion since 1965, and was a long standing member of Branch 47. He also served with the St. Peter’s Volunteer Fire Department, holding the positions of Captain in 1973 and Fire Chief in 1974. Don was a charter member of the Silver Oaks Cross Country Ski Club, where he built the club’s first track setter and played an instrumental role in developing and maintaining cross-country ski trails. His passion for the outdoors led him to become an active member of the East Coast ATV Association, where he helped establish and maintain trails for all to enjoy. Don found great satisfaction in time spent grooming ATV trails, and making memories at the Possum Lodge with family and friends. He was happiest when he was creating, fixing, fishing, tinkering in his garage, woodworking, or lending a hand to someone who needed it. He was often called upon to deep fry turkeys for ATV fundraisers and for musicians at the St. Peter’s Celtic Colours event.
Above all else, Don’s greatest devotion was to his family. He shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Valerie. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Leanne Hiltz and Trudy Hiltz Boucher (Jason), and his grandchildren, Lacey and Benjamin. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary (Keith), Edith (Rae), Barbara (Mark) Crouse, and Angela (Grant Levy) Hiltz; and his brother-in-law, Grant (Janet Wile) Reeves, as well as several nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Alfred and Violet (Corbin) Hiltz, and by his brothers, Keith and Rae.
Those who knew Don will remember his enduring strength, steady presence, sense of humour and willingness to help others without expecting anything in return. His legacy is one of service, hard work, generosity for those dearest to him and his unwavering love for his family.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) caregivers, the nurses, doctors, and staff of the Stroke Unit at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, and especially the compassionate team on the Palliative Care Unit, whose exceptional care, kindness, and support brought comfort to Don and his family during his final days.
In keeping with Don’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Gatherings of Remembrance will be held in St. Peter’s, on August 22, 2026 from 2:00-4:00pm at the St. Peter’s Fire Hall; and in New Ross in August at a time to be announced. Burial to take place in New Ross at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Don’s memory may be made to Parkinson Canada, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or Royal Canadian Legion Branch 47.
