Obituary of Ronald David Hildebrand

SERVICE UPDATE...

We’re having a party in honour of Ronnie Hildebrand, a great person gone too soon…a toast to Ronnie
Fredericton Rugby Club
20 Cityview Avenue
October 25,2024
5pm until Ronnie says we’re done

There will also be an Open House Visit at the Tabusintac Legion on November 2 from 2 to 5 pm to toast the new friends he made in Tabusintac that might not be able to make it to Fredericton… you made him welcome and he felt it…

__________________________________________________________________________________________

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald David Hildebrand of Fredericton at the age of sixty-two on May 19, 2024, at the Cancer Care Oncology Unit of the Saint John Regional Hospital following a brief battle with leukemia. Prior to and at the time of his death, he was with family.

He was predeceased by his father Douglas Hildebrand, father-in-law Bruce Wishart of Fredericton and other close relatives.

Ronnie was born in Fredericton where he spent his younger years attending various schools during his childhood in Nashwaaksis, graduating from Fredericton High School. He was a regular at the Nashwaaksis Arena, the plaza, and other hangouts. Ronnie’s adventurous and free spirit kept his parents on their toes but made him many friends. He enjoyed all minor league sports and youth activities offered. After high school he went to western Canada, where he worked in the construction industry building grain elevators and travelling the western provinces. He returned to Fredericton a few years later, where he worked on various construction projects. He eventually found his niche and landed a position with NB Power where he travelled the province extensively overseeing the construction and maintenance of electrical substations. When he retired in 2018, he was Transmission Work Planner. Ronnie, with his outgoing and trusting personality created lasting work relationships around the province, which friendships continued after his retirement.

He had more friends than one could count. Eventually he met Jennifer through their common love of dogs, the outdoors and adventure and the rest is history.

Ronnie had a variety of interests over the years. He enjoyed sports of all types and played hockey up until a few years ago. He was a proud member of the legendary Rentals Hockey Team (originating from the Fredericton Industrial Hockey League of 1970s). He shared memories as part of their alumni, based in Fredericton but with members who now live elsewhere. Their friendships continue in sports/social events, and they support each other in times like this. He cherished the camaraderie of his Rentals family who fondly called him the “Farmer.” This nickname came about as Ronnie hobby-farmed at his family’s generational property on Kingsley Road. He also played Oldtimers hockey as part of the NB Hydro Sharks in other provinces.

Skilled at construction work and carpentry, he single-handedly renovated the family century aged homestead into a modern home. This “farm” house and adjacent barns/fields housed another interest. He, his father Douglas, and Uncle John had many standard bred racehorses over the years, many of which were born and retired at the farm. They were fixtures at Fredericton Raceway, during race season. He grew a large garden each year and supplied family, neighbors, and friends with the excess produce.

He found much enjoyment as he walked the trails and fields with his dogs, Jennifer, and his daughter Emily. They were avid skiers at Crabbe Mountain and travelled to various parts of the Caribbean, US, and western Canada. Sportfishing in BC, hunting geese in Saskatchewan and attending Toronto Raptor games with Jennifer were highlights.

He enjoyed the outdoors immensely, not only at the farm, but at their second home in Tabusintac, where Jennifers family originated. They spent many summers and winters there before and after retirement. They enjoyed the area so much they built another residence which Ronnie oversaw, at the ‘pit.’ They spent countless days either fishing or simply enjoying the coastal lifestyle such as boating to the remote beaches, clamming, fishing striped bass, salmon and the occasional tuna, ice fishing and snowmobiling in season. Often, accompanying them was his brother-in-law David, and wife Jill. Again, it was here where Jennifer and Ronnie genuinely enjoyed their many years together. They were true soulmates and best friends and were at peace in this area immersed in the activities available. His Facebook posts chronicled their adventures on the river.

He was most proud of his daughter Emily and her adventures; skiing, lifeguarding, and travelling, whether it be in New Brunswick, British Columbia, Alberta or recently, Australia. He could be seen taking Emily and her friends or cousins on trips to various ski hills, southern climates, or just spending time with them. He was particularly caring for his mother and father, Irene and Doug and mother-in-law and father-in-law Edna and Bruce. He was also available to the larger circle of relatives and friends to help them in times of need; never asking for anything in return…he took pride in his independence.

Ronnie was everybody’s friend, relative or otherwise, known for his outgoing personality. He could start a conversation with anybody wherever he traveled. He touched the lives of everyone he met with his profound sense of humor, caring, and gentleness.

Not to miss anybody specifically, we would like to express sincere thanks his doctors, nurses and many staff of the Oncology and Chemotherapy Unit, Saint John Regional Hospital, whom he and Jennifer knew on a first name basis during his stay; their hospital family. He always had kind comments, many surprise treats, meals, and many hugs for them, treating them with enthusiastic respect which was mutual. He became known as their “Work Dad.”

Fondly remembered by his wife Jennifer Wishart, daughter Emily Hildebrand, mother Irene Hildebrand, mother-in-law Edna Wishart, brothers Fred Hildebrand (Debbie) Fall River NS, Steven Hildebrand (Theresa), Dieppe NB, bothers’ in law David Wishart (Jill), Paul Wishart (Lori), nieces Erin Murray (Halifax) Maggie Hildebrand (Toronto) and Kate Hildebrand (Moncton), and nephews Owen Wishart (Hyeji), Ian Wishart (Christine) and Andrew Wishart (Kayla) in Alberta, Aunt Judy Jewett and Carol Pond (Fredericton) and a large circle of relatives and friends.

We’re having a party in honour of Ronnie Hildebrand, a great person gone too soon…a toast to Ronnie
Fredericton Rugby Club
20 Cityview Avenue
October 25,2024
5pm until Ronnie says we’re done

There will also be an Open House Visit at the Tabusintac Legion on November 2 from 2 to 5 pm to toast the new friends he made in Tabusintac that might not be able to make it to Fredericton… you made him welcome and he felt it…

Ronnie was passionate about hockey and also supported the Tabusintac Nursing Home as such, charitable donations may be made the Brendon Oreto Foundation (which helps kids in need achieve hockey dreams; Donations can be made by e-transfer to brendonoretohockeyschool@gmail.com or mailed to: Brendon Oreto Foundation, 778 McLeod Ave Apt 301 Fredericton, NB E3B 0V7) Also, to the Friends of Tabusintac Nursing Home Charity (506-779-4100), 10 Old Manse Road, Tabusintac, NB E9H 1G4), or alternatively to the Canadian Cancer Society (New Brunswick) or charity of choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com