Services Held for Leslie Hillyard
Leslie Hillyard 64, well known and respected resident of Auburn for many years, died early Friday morning, Aug 28 at his home of a heart attack. He had been in ill health for some time and had been hospitalized only recently.
He was born March 26, 1895 in Smithfield Utah, the son of Hyrum and Amelia Hansen Hillyard. He grew up on a farm north of Smithfield went to grade school in that town and was active in sports. His father operated sawmills in Hillyard and Logan Canyons, and he helped his father during summers.
In 1908 his father became paralyzed in both legs and the management of the farm was taken over by Leslie and his older brother Enoch, with the help of the younger boys. Leslie's father thought it would be easier for the boys to make a living in a cattle county, so in June 1912 he traded places with Will Carbridge of Auburn and the family moved to Star Valley. It took them 14 days to move from Smithfield to Auburn by team and wagon. They brought all of their belongings with even cows and chickens.
Leslie married Ada Elizabeth Wood April 12, 1917 in the Logan LDS Temple. In the spring of 1918 he was called on a mission to the Northern States Mission which he fulfilled.
His record of activity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was full and he served in his various callings from the time he was a young lad. He advanced through the priesthood and was a high priest at the time of his death. Besides his foreign mission, he also served as a stake missionary for two years. Some of the positions he held in the church were: ward teacher YMMIA secretary Sunday School teacher, home missionary, bishop's counselor for seven years, MIA teacher, senior president of his seventies quorum, secretary of high priests group in Auburn and ward teacher supervisor. He was active in doing temple work and was chairman of the genealogical committee of his ward. He was president of the Thomas Hillyard family organization.
Leslie was a man of great faith and miracles were wrought under his hands trough the Priesthood. He was an honest tithe payer and donated either finance or labor or both to every worthy cause in the ward. He had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of the church.
Two sons Ronald and Vern were in World War II and his son James W. has just returned from a mission to Australia. He assisted his wife and family in the many various positions they have held in the church.
He was kind and cheerful to his family. They never heard him speak crossly to them. The keynote of his character seemed to be one of happiness, good cheer and a wonderful sense of peace of mind and contentment with his lot in his life. He appreciated his many blessings, the love and devotion of his family and friends. He had a charitable nature and was a good neighbor and a valued friend. He had a way of radiating good will to all he associated with and certainly set a good example for his family and friends to emulate.
The last two winters he spent in California where his daughters live, but he yearned to return to his home in Auburn. He was there when he died, suddenly on Aug 28 about 5 a.m.
Funeral services were held Monday, Aug 31, at the Auburn Ward Chapel. Many relatives and friends were in attendance at his funeral and the house was filled with flowers, attesting the love and esteem in which he was held. It was one of the largest funerals ever held in Auburn. The Auburn Relief Society was in charge of the flowers and his grandchildren and close nieces and nephews carried the flowers. Interment was in the Auburn Cemetery.
He is survived by his wife, Ada; four sons and two daughters: Demar W., Auburn; Ronald W. Afton; Vern W., Houston, Texas; Mrs Byron (Gayle) Thurman, Orange, Calif.; Mrs Von N. (LaRue) Leavitt, Garden Grove Calif.; James W., Auburn. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren.

Hillyard, Leslie (28 Aug 1959) Star Valley Independent

Leslie Hillyard is the son of Hyrum Hillyard and Amelia HANSEN
Leslie Hillyard married Ada Elizabeth WOOD 12 Apr 1917
in Logan,Utah