Dwaine 'Dave' Hillberry

Dwaine "Dave" Hillberry, 88, passed away peacefully on September 11th, at his home in Craig, Colorado surrounded by family. He was the third of four children, born June 23rd, 1936, to George and Leora (Haynes) Hillberry in Thermopolis, WY. Dave was raised at the family ranch near Gooseberry Creek where his summers were spent living in a sheep wagon on the mountain tending sheep. During the school year he commuted to Worland, Wyoming until his father's passing in 1949, when his mother moved the family to town permanently. Dave was a member of the boy scouts when he was young and earned the highest honor of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Worland High School in 1954 and began college at Brigham Young University where he studied for 2 years then went on to earn a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wyoming in 1959. He relocated to Craig, Colorado to begin his career with the Bureau of Land Management and to start a family. He married his wife in 1962 and spent the remainder of his life in Craig where they raised their four daughters. He was a devoted supporter of his girls, following their high school and recreational sports including volleyball, basketball, softball, track and horse activities. He also coached and played softball with them in the summers. Dave rarely missed their events, reflecting his unwavering support and involvement in their lives. Dave spent his entire career with the BLM. One highlight of his career was the management of the wild horses in Sandwash Basin. He was a pilot for many years and occasionally flew helicopters on wild horse relocations. The BLM honored his long service by naming a previously unnamed Colorado mountain after him: Hillberry Mountain. Dave was an active participant in the community where he spent over 60 years. He fought wildfires in the summers during his younger years. He was a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 1577 and held positions of exalter ruler and secretary. He was a member of the Moffat County Search and Rescue Team before and after his retirement from the BLM. He was a bareback rider when he was young but traded in his spurs and became an avid calf and team roper. He took a leadership role in the Ride-n-Tie Rodeo committee and served as announcer for the PCRA Rodeo, the annual Para-mutual Horse Races, and the Tuesday night jackpot rodeos. In his retirement, he developed a passion for antique tractors, joined the local Tractor Club, and participated in many tractor pulls.

Dave was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Lois Lavin Hillberry, his parents; brothers, Alfred and James Hillberry.

He is survived by his sister, Norma Lee Jacobs and four daughters and their families. LeeAnn and David Rodenbaugh of Thornton, CO; grandchildren Allison Rodenbaugh, Dillon Rodenbaugh and wife Serina, and great-grandson Aiden Rodenbaugh; Marlene and Steve Rogers of Bonaire, GA, grandchildren Bailey Rogers and Cade Rogers; Jodi and Jeff Carter of Kalispel, MT and grandson Dawson Carter; Teresa and Greg Eichinger of Frederick CO, granddaughter Emily and husband Ryan LeValley. Per his wishes, graveside services will be held in Worland, Wyoming with his immediate family. Always in our thoughts, forever in our hearts. We Love You Dad. Online condolences may be made at http://www.bryant

funeralhomeonline.com.