David Hilland

David Howard Hilland was born on April 6, 1953, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Carl Boyd Hilland and Nancy Louise Kelly. As the eldest of five children, David's early years were shaped by frequent relocations across the United States due to his father's service as a U.S. Air Force pilot. David learned to ride a bike in Dayton, Ohio, and to surf in Daytona Beach, Florida, before settling in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he attended Sandia High School. It was there that he met Cynthia Packwood, whom he married on January 5, 1974. Their marriage of over 51 years was blessed with two children: Elizabeth Ann and Michael Richard.

Before starting their family, Dave built a home in Los Lunas, New Mexico, worked in the uranium mines in Grants, and ran a silver-bead making business in Albuquerque while also raising guinea pigs. Dave earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Mexico. Following graduation, Dave embarked on a distinguished 30-year career as a research engineer and program manager at the Air Force Research Laboratory in Albuquerque. Despite the demands of his profession, he remained deeply committed to his family-never missing a vacation, prioritizing weekday dinners, and consistently attending his children's events.

Dave was an extraordinary musician for whom music was an integral part of life. From a young age, he played both piano and guitar, and in the 1970s, his rock band Red Weather West performed throughout the Albuquerque area. His music brought peace, joy, and blessing to his home and family for decades. Dave's musical legacy included dancing with his toddlers to Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King, teaching his children to play guitar, and writing original songs-each child receiving one of their own. Even in his later years, music remained a core part of Dave's identity and was among the last memories he held.

Dave was also an adventurer to the core. He hiked and backpacked throughout the Southwest, went snow camping as an Assistant Scout Master with Boy Scouts Troop 1, and learned to sail with his family at Elephant Butte, NM. They later trailered their 28-foot sailboat from the desert in New Mexico to the coast of California and sailed to the Channel Islands. His adventurous spirit also showed in his willingness to learn and try new things-coaching soccer when his kids wanted to play, scrapbooking with his daughter, and snowboarding with his son.

For the past ~25 years, Dave was also very involved in ministry at Calvary Church. He and his wife, Cindy, served as leaders in the Life over Fifty Fellowship, hosted numerous

connect groups-leading worship for them-and were part of the teaching staff in Self Confrontation, a biblical discipleship class. Dave also served in the Men's Ministry, on the Communion Board, and as a Deacon.

Dave passed away from dementia in Albuquerque, NM, September 29, 2025. His son, Mike, was with him as he departed from the body and went to be with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8). He is survived by his wife Cindy, his children, Elizabeth Hay (husband Donnie), and Michael Hilland (wife Stephanie), his five grandchildren Sydney, Nathan, and Noah Hay, and Michael and Luke Hilland, and his three brothers Dan (wife Donna), Don, and Derek, and his sister Heidi (husband Steve). He is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Nancy Hilland.

Services for Dave will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 10th, 2025 at Calvary Church on 4001 Osuna Rd NE, with reception to follow. Dave will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Park. All who shared in his life are welcome.