Dean Hilde

Dean Hilde, amazing son, brother, husband and father, left this earth far too soon on Friday November 3 ^rd 2017 in a plane crash on his ranch in the Owyhee Mountains. Dean was born in Minneapolis, MN on June 29 ^th 1961 to Gary Hilde and Pat Hilde.

From the time he was born, Dean was on the move. He pursued his passions in life to the fullest. After graduating from Kelly Walsh High School in Casper, Wyoming he married his high school sweetheart Christy Cook. Dean and Christy began to pursue his great love for anything outdoors. Apparently she agreed to follow him anywhere as they left for a short stop in Colorado and then on to the great frontiers in Alaska. There Dean would learn to fly backcountry airplanes, gain a master guide license to hunt big game, and the two of them started several successful businesses as well. Included in all of that they had two wonderful children Chelsea now 19 and Cameron 16. Dean was a very dedicated family man who loved his family deeply.

After 20 years in Alaska, in 2008 Dean reluctantly agreed to move to Boise, Idaho a somewhat warmer and drier climate. Shortly after arriving in Idaho Dean discovered one of the most remote places in the lower 48, the Owyhee Mountains. There he found a ranch he loved complete with backcountry airstrip, trophy big game, fishing and genuine peace and quiet. Many of us enjoyed spending time with him there.

When he wasn’t flying airplanes, hunting or spending time with his family he worked with Western States Asphalt where he made many great friends and colleagues throughout the Northwest.

Dean is survived by his parents, Gary Hilde and Pat Hilde Toy, his wife Christy and his children Chelsea and Cameron, his siblings, Todd Hilde, Steve Hilde and Kristie Hilde Tueller along with his uncles, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Dean was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He had a special light that touched everyone around him. He had an incredible sense of humor and never knew a bad day. He lived his life with passion and he left us doing what he loved most.

Please join us in honor of Dean’s life on Thursday November 9 ^th at the Water’s Edge Event Center, 287 East Shore Drive Eagle, Idaho. Service will begin at 2pm followed by a celebration of life to include food, drinks and a time to share your favorite story about Dean or adventure with him.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes you to make a donation to the “Idaho Wild Sheep Foundation” or the “Safari Club International”.