Deloyd David Hillstead

Deloyd David Hillstead, age 82, beloved husband, Father, Papa, brother, and friend peacefully passed away on Monday, October 18th, 2021, at Star Valley Hospital with his wonderful wife of 55 years, Pam, by his side. We want to thank the doctors and nurses who kept him comfortable and helped care for him over the years.

He is preceded in death by his parents Dave and Alta, his sister Laverne Neuenschwander, nieces Annette Skinner and Kimberlee Neuenschwander; nephews David Hillstead and Kyle Morman; and grandnephew Michael Hillstead.

He is survived by his loving wife Pam, and their children Cathy (Todd) Woodward Meridian, ID; Jim (Regan) Hagerman, ID and Jeannine (Gabe) Chamberlain New Waverly, TX.  Grandchildren: Amelia and Dylan Woodward; Jaycie, Saree and Harrison Hillstead; Desiree, Gavin, Trevor, Jason, and Amanda Chamberlain. Siblings Sharlene (George) Zoolakis; Blair (Lynette); Randy (Lana); Nancy (Thad) Skinner; Rick (Rosa); Cathy (Bernie) Morman; and his many nieces and nephews.

Deloyd was born on October 3, 1939, at home in Fairview, WY.  He graduated from Star Valley High School in 1957 and attended Utah State University. He then went to work for Sav-On Drugstore in Garden Grove, California for three years before being drafted into the Army where he served for two years as a Paratrooper in Germany. 

After being Honorably Discharged from the Army, Dad returned to work for Sav-On in Garden Grove, CA where he met and fell in love with his beautiful bride, Pam.  They married in February 1966 and had their children in Southern California.  Dad was offered a Store Manager position in Northern California and he and Mom decided to move the family to San Jose, CA where we grew up and lived for 23 years. Mom and Dad then moved to Oregon City, OR and lived and worked there for seven years.  Dad was always able to improve the stores that he managed.  His employees remember him fondly and are grateful for the work ethic that he helped to instill in them.

Dad followed in his father’s footsteps and was always fair in his dealings with others.  He made sure that the other person came out on the better end of the deal.  Deloyd was always straightforward and would give you the shirt off his back.

Dad loved Star Valley, WY, and every summer we knew that we could look forward to two weeks of vacation there.  Dad always wanted to be back in Star Valley farming and raising and working his horses. Our family has fond memories riding horses in and camping up Spring Creek in the Summer.  The Grandkids always love being with Papa and Grandma and riding the 4wheeler with him.  Upon retiring in 2004, he was finally able to move back home to Fairview, Wyoming to live the rest of his life.  

Deloyd served as a counselor in the Sunday School Presidency and was always there for us kids growing up and for his Grandchildren.  Dad’s greatest joy was his family and being outdoors. 

Deloyd passed away from complications due to the major stroke that he suffered in 2010.  We are forever grateful to our loving Mom for being his constant companion and excellent caregiver and in the words of his doctor, Mom was the very reason that Dad was able to live this long.  We are all grateful to have such a wonderful role model in our life as our Dad, Husband and Papa.