Obituary for Robert John Hilbert Sr.
Robert J. Hilbert Sr. passed away in his home, surrounded by his family, on December 23, 2018. He is survived by his wife, Theresa Karen Hilbert and ten children: Kimberly Hagedorn, Robert J. Hilbert Jr., Meghan Shaver, Jennifer Hilbert, Kerry Hilbert, Brian Hilbert, Emily Harrison, Elisabeth Arpin, Katerina Vasquez, and Lauren Hilbert. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert Franklin Hilbert and Margaret Ann Drinkard, and a granddaughter, Eve Teagan Arpin. He is also survived by his 28 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He is further survived by his brothers: Jim and Tom Hilbert.
Rob was a gentle soul whose impact far exceeded his humble nature. If ever there was a “quintessential family man”; it was Rob. His family was his whole world. His marriage of 49 years is testament to his great love for his wife, Karen. He took great joy in being able to support and provide for her and his growing family. It was the time spent with them that meant the most to him. He was never much for material possessions but his family was what he treasured above all.
Professionally, Rob began his career as a revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service, before moving over to the nonprofit sector. There he served as vice president and executive director of the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation, secretary-treasurer of the Piton Foundation, and executive vice president of the U.S. Olympic Foundation, before accepting the position of Chief Financial Officer of the El Pomar Foundation. He retired in 2016 after 29 years of service at El Pomar. During this time, he enjoyed his work with the San Luis Valley Regional Council, the Garden City Company, the Rocky Mountain Tax Seminar, the board of the Pikes Peak Library and the board of the Broadmoor World Arena. His name is etched in metal for all time in buildings around Colorado Springs, and in the memories of the many people whose lives he touched. He loved well and was well loved in return.
Rob’s life is a reflection of his deep faith. He was a devout Catholic and intentionally lived his life by walking in Christ’s footsteps. He believed that sharing Christ with others was not as much about evangelism as it is in just living a life that well-represents what Christ would ask of any of His servants. There is no question that Rob is in the presence of the Lord now and when he arrived at heaven’s door, he heard the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)
Rob was a gentle soul whose impact far exceeded his humble nature. If ever there was a “quintessential family man”; it was Rob. His family was his whole world. His marriage of 49 years is testament to his great love for his wife, Karen. He took great joy in being able to support and provide for her and his growing family. It was the time spent with them that meant the most to him. He was never much for material possessions but his family was what he treasured above all.
Professionally, Rob began his career as a revenue agent for the Internal Revenue Service, before moving over to the nonprofit sector. There he served as vice president and executive director of the Helen K. and Arthur E. Johnson Foundation, secretary-treasurer of the Piton Foundation, and executive vice president of the U.S. Olympic Foundation, before accepting the position of Chief Financial Officer of the El Pomar Foundation. He retired in 2016 after 29 years of service at El Pomar. During this time, he enjoyed his work with the San Luis Valley Regional Council, the Garden City Company, the Rocky Mountain Tax Seminar, the board of the Pikes Peak Library and the board of the Broadmoor World Arena. His name is etched in metal for all time in buildings around Colorado Springs, and in the memories of the many people whose lives he touched. He loved well and was well loved in return.
Rob’s life is a reflection of his deep faith. He was a devout Catholic and intentionally lived his life by walking in Christ’s footsteps. He believed that sharing Christ with others was not as much about evangelism as it is in just living a life that well-represents what Christ would ask of any of His servants. There is no question that Rob is in the presence of the Lord now and when he arrived at heaven’s door, he heard the words: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:23)