NICHOLAS AUGUST HILDEBRAND

Condolences & Memories (2 entries)

• Memories of Cousin Nick: My memories of Nick begin in the early 70’s when our family returned to Canada from mission work in India. Hildebrand gatherings occurred several times a year in Winnipeg: picnics in Kildonan Park, gatherings at various Aunt’s and Uncle’s homes when Ontario relatives would be in the area, family weddings and later on funerals, and of course, annual family Christmas gatherings (some of which were eventually hosted by Nick in his home). Nick was always there and always had a story to tell. Our contacts with Nick became fewer after we moved away from Winnipeg many years ago. But when we did get together our visits were never long enough. I can still see the twinkle in his eye when he got excited about something. It was often there when he talked about his children and grandchildren. Family was important to Nick. Recently, our occasional trips to Winnipeg and Steinbach became occasions for family to get together and we appreciate how Nick made the effort to come and see us. We appreciate his efforts to make our children feel important by showing interest in the things they were doing and bringing them little gifts. As a result, he is one of our many relatives that our children actually knew and remember. I know that Nick’s life was not always easy, but his faith overcame the obstacles and shone through in his frequent testimony of God’s loving care. We will miss Nick in our family circle. So sorry that we cannot be there for this celebration of his life. For you, Kathryn and Matthew and your families, we are praying for comfort for you in your grief and rejoicing with you that your father is in heaven with Jesus and that we will meet him again! “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain!” (Philippians 1:21) With love, Carolyn and Greg Bright - Posted by: Carolyn (Hamm) Bright (Cousin) on: Aug 31, 2018

• Proverbs 3:5,6... "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."... Nick's life verse from the bible. He tried by the Holy Spirit to live the heart of this verse daily. As with all of us, we fail to live up to the holiness of God. But Nick's love for God was overwhelmed by God's love for him through his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He trusted deeply Jesus' life, death and resurrection on his behalf as much as God so loved the world. Nick was a good friend that had deep moments of darkness in his life that pushed him deeper into fellowship with other believers and family. His desire to have relationship grew day by day as he recognized his mortal life ebbing away. Prayer and conversation with Nick usually entered about the topic of "Repentance"... the turning of our hearts away from our selfish wants to finding true life and love in Jesus! My friendship has been with Nick, as I first met Nick in a Christian Businessman's of Canada bible study breakfast, for the past 39 years. We have studied, prayed and ministered along side each other in business, prisons and home church planting. It has been a bittersweet friendship of trust, openness, hurt, exposure, accountability, and restoration. I would not trade a moment of our friendship for this world's valuables. Nick, I thank you for a true deep friendship that is exemplified by the scripture from Proverbs 27:17..."Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." Thanks Nick.... Rest in Jesus. You graduated first brother,Blessings! - Posted by: Gerard Scott-Herridge (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2018