LINCOLNVILLE — Leslie Albert Hillman, of Lincolnville, passed away with family at his side on Saturday July 29, 2023 at the Sussman House in Rockport, Maine. 

Leslie was born in Stanley, Iowa, on October 11, 1936 to Bruce and Lois McDowell Hillman. He grew up on the family farm near Stanley attending Stanley schools and graduating from Stanley Consolidated High School in 1954.  While in high school Leslie participated in Glee Club, mixed chorus, Junior and Senior class plays, speech, track and was part of the basketball team.

After graduation, Leslie worked at the Wilson & Co. meat-packing plant in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, before moving to Waterloo where he worked for Rath Packing Company for nearly 30 years. 

In 1957, he met the woman whom he would spend the next 65 years with. He and Alma Loomis were married on February 15, 1958. Their first child, Beth, was born in November and the family purchased and moved to a farm in Arlington, Iowa, in the spring of 1959. It was on this farm that Les spent the next 27 years doing what he truly loved, farming.

In 1960, Alan was born, followed by Scott in 1966. While living and working on the farm, Leslie and the family milked cows, raised hogs, and eventually began raising black angus cattle. He also planted and harvested corn, soy beans, and oats. Les continued to work at Rath Packing which he said he needed to do in order to “support his farming hobby”.

He absolutely loved farming and could often be observed running the black soil through his hands breathing in its rich, pungent odor.

In 1986, Les and Alma moved to Maine to be near their grandchildren and opened an antiques shop in Searsport. There he continued to raise vegetables in his big garden while working on projects for the antiques shop. He especially enjoyed restoring oil lamps and refinishing furniture. He loved exploring antique shops and collecting odds and ends of many things.

In 2006 Les and Alma moved to Winterport, Maine, where he semi retired but continued to work on antique projects.

He spent a lot of time with his son, Alan, finding small ponds to launch his small boat in to fish.

Leslie loved spending time with his grandchildren, going to the many concerts that Nicholas played in, swim meets for Ericka, taking Morgan on excursions including a memorable trip to Canada, and camping and fishing trips with Zach.

He and Alma moved to Lincolnville, Maine, in 2019 where he lived until he was hospitalized prior to his death.

Leslie was predeceased by his parents, son Alan Hillman, son-in-law Eric York, sisters Lela Durden, Norma Pleis, Carolyn Hoelscher, and Arlene Larson, brothers Ralph Hillman, Claire Hillman, Raymond Hillman, and Kenneth Hillman. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Alma Hillman, daughter Beth York, son Scott Hillman, grandchildren Nicholas York (Eileen), Ericka Baker (Ryan), Morgan York, Zachariah Hillman, great grandson Aaron Leslie York, and sister Gail Jordan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

A private service will be held at the family’s discretion.