Hartwell Russell George "Rus" Hillier

Fallbrook native Hartwell Russell George “Rus” Hillier died on Sunday, January 7, 2007, in Toccoa, GA. Rus was born in Fallbrook on February 16, 1906, in a little house on Pico Street across from the Baptist Church. His parents were Ernest Stephen Hillier and Maria Russell. His mother was born in Fallbrook and many of his ancestors were among the early settlers of the town.

After a career in the aerospace industry, with a brief diversion when he owned a hardware/sporting goods store, Rus retired and returned to Fallbrook in 1971. He lived on Porter Street for 35 years. In 1989 he was the Honorary Mayor of Fallbrook and in 1999 the Fallbrook Historical Society made him Pioneer of the Year. In 2005, he and his wife of 67 years, Elsie, moved to Toccoa to live with their son.

Rus celebrated his 100th birthday in 2006 with a gathering of his family in Georgia, a birthday party at the Elks’ Lodge and a skydive – fulfilling a dream he had had for many years!

Rus is survived by his wife, Elsie Vos Hillier, Toccoa, GA; son Steven John Hillier, Toccoa; daughters Susan Marie Hillier Roe, Seal Beach, CA, and Lucille Ann “Molly” Hillier Bagnoli, Huntington Beach, CA; grandchildren Kim Jenkins, Kerry Leach, Russell Roe, Kevin Roe, Greg Roe and Bob Hillier; and great-grandchildren Kelly Jenkins and Katie Jenkins.

His ashes will be returned to Fallbrook for burial; a memorial service will be held at a later date.