Raymond Norman Hilken

Ray was born February 12, 1942 in San Francisco, CA to Raymond Henry and Norma Adel (DiVita) Hilken.  He is survived by his wife, Barbara Shelby, two children, Taryn O’Neil (Tim) of Santa Barbara, CA and Todd Hilken (Melissa) of Orange, CA, four grandchildren, Olivia & Madeline O’Neil, and Brady & Siena Hilken, and countless friends.

Ray graduated from San Mateo High School in San Mateo, CA.  He then honorably served in the California National Guard, U.S. Army, and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve for a total of 6 years.  He subsequently attended Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated with a degree in Architectural Engineering.  In a career that spanned 35 years, he worked in control systems and computer sales. He was a member of the Masons, where he was involved in a scholarship foundation for deserving college students, and he was also a former member of the Long Beach Tuna Club. 

Ray was a loving, supportive, and very generous person who doted on his wife and family. He adored his kids, Todd & Taryn.  Over the years he relished in taking them on special trips; among them, he took Todd to Alaska to fly fish and catch salmon, and Taryn to New York City to take in the food and the sights.  Later on, when Todd and Taryn started their own families, trips to baseball games, ballet recitals, fishing and camping trips were memories that everyone cherished together. When it came to his four grandkids, Ray delighted in playing with them, holding their hands, and making them laugh.

An absolutely endearing quality was Ray’s playful sense of humor, especially with his wife, who he loved to tease relentlessly.  His other greatest joys were being on or near the water, whether boating or fishing, and the camaraderie he had with each and every one of his many friends.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at the Long Beach Yacht Club on Saturday, August 18, 2018 from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm.  The memorial service will begin at 12:30pm.  To RSVP if you wish to attend, please contact Barbara Shelby at:

BShelbyHilken@gmail.com    or    (714) 742-4811

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children; specific details for the donation will be posted here in the very near future or you can contact Barbara.

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