Fred Hilts
JUNE 4, 1939 – OCTOBER 6, 2024
Fred passed away October 6, 2024 with Janet by his side.
Fred played professional hockey for many years in the United States in the WHL, the San Diego Gulls being his main team. After hockey, he was involved in Thoroughbred horse racing in Alberta. He was Race Secretary at Edmonton Northlands and then was a jockey’s agent until he retired.
Fred is survived by Janet, his sister Marlee, her husband Carl Collins, nephews Rick and Greg and their families. He is also survived by many friends he played hockey with and the racing community.
The family would like to Thank, Dr. Chandra and the Palliative ward at St Joseph’s Hospital, Dr. R. Sterrett at the Cross Cancer Center, Dr Lee and the home Pallaitive team. Also, Dr Doug McCarty for his care throughout the last 29 years.
The cremation for Fred has already been held. At the request of Fred, there will be no service.
Our sincere sympathy to you for your loss of cousin Fred. As children we always heard the stories of Fred’s hockey successes and the horse racing game. Condolences to all. The Dodd family’s
We were so sad to learn of Fred’s passing. He is no longer in pain and is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you, Janet. May all your happy memories be a comfort to you. I was so proud to have him as my cousin.
No one has the perfect words to make your sadness go away, but may you find comfort in knowing how many people wish they did.
Fred was a pure minor-league goal scoring sensation. But he lacked “the wheels” for the NHL. He told me that, on a sudden whim on the way east to another fall training camp at Springfield, Mass., , he quit pro hockey by making a U-turn at Moose Jaw and joined Spirit River of the South Peace Hockey League.
Later as a very successful jockey agent, the list of top riders he partnered with included Hall Of Famer Don Seymour.
RIP, ol’ pal.
We are so very sorry for your loss Janet, you were always by his side and know that Fred is now at peace.
With love Georgie and Greg.
We are so very sorry for your loss Janet, you were always by his side and know that Fred is now at peace.
I was sad to hear of Fred’s passing but know he is at peace now.
I condolences to all.
Fred was one of my favourites in the 50+ years that I covered horse racing. He loved to laugh and made me smile every time I saw him. We talked about all sports but especially football, hockey and, of course, horse racing. We had a real good time over the many, many years. He was smart, loyal and someone I considered a good friend. Every year he would give me Doc’s NFL guide. I lost touch with him over the last several years but I thought about him often. May he rest in peace and my condolences to all his family and friends.
Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your families.
I first heard of Fred Hilts in the fall/winter of 1963-64 when I was a young lad. Fred arrived up in our home town of as a player/coach of the Spirit River Ranger’s, our senior men’s team in the then outlawed South Peace Hockey League (SPHL). Although two of my older brothers (they were teenagers) and two of my uncles played on the team, Fred, with his scoring and playmaking skills became my hockey hero. That year Fred was a league all-star and the Rangers won the league championship under his leadership. A few years later, as a teenager, I followed Fred’s AHL playing/scoring accomplishments, especially with the San Diego Gulls (five hat tricks in one year) as they appeared in the Sport’s pages of the Edmonton Journal. I had never spoken too or met Fred personally. However, several weeks ago I noticed Fred’s name on his hospital room door and decided to walk in and introduce myself. Fred welcomed me and I informed him of the impact he had on me as a young kid’s hockey hero back in 1963-64. Over several weeks Fred, Janet and I were able to share a few hockey stories from the past. My older brother Jim, a resident at the same hospital, was also able to visit and say hello to Fred, his former coach and teammate. Fred told me a few hockey stories and how impressed he was of the caliber of hockey players in SPHL back then. I had a good chuckle when he told me there were a few times he misplaced his “backchecking” hockey stick.
Janet, it was a pleasure to meet and visit with you and Fred, thank you. You were an angel, continually being at Fred’s side. May Fred rest in peace and may you find consolation in the days ahead.