Obituary for Sean Gregory Hillgrove
ROCKLAND — Sean Gregory Hillgrove born in Rockland, Dec. 7, 1968, passed away at the young age of 51 April 7, 2020, with his beloved daughter, Allie, by his side after a long courageous fight with cancer. For those who were blessed to have known and loved Sean, knew his will to fight, and that he did so until the very end.
Sean was always quick with a joke and a smile. A 1988 graduate from Rockland District High School, he had an adventurous soul, marched to the beat of his own drum and was a natural at anything he decided to try.
He was an exceptional athlete in all sports that he participated in. Throughout his childhood and adult years he loved martial arts and was extremely talented, winning many tournaments. If he wasn’t practicing karate, you could find him golfing, dirt biking, playing basketball, baseball, fishing, or on adventures with family and friends. There was never a dull moment when you were in the presence of Sean.
He was a lover of people and animals. He made many memories growing up with friends and family playing whiffle ball, basketball on Purchase St. playground, tackle football on North School field, four-wheeling on the power lines and Pleasant Mountain, playing video games and Scrabble for hours with the gang. Sean will forever be remembered by his beautiful blue eyes, mischievous grin and charming dimples when he smiled. A man with a heart of gold who would give the very shirt off his back to anyone in need. His personality was magnetic and infectious.
As a young man, Sean loved fishing of all sorts. From freshwater to saltwater, regardless if he was working or doing it just for fun, he always had a thirst for adventure and taking a trip to somewhere new. He spent his late teens scalloping out of state.
If there is an afterlife, we know Sean was greeted with joy and open arms by his longtime employer and friend, the late artist Robert Indiana (Bob), to whom he never got to say goodbye. Bob regarded Sean as the son he never had, and Sean in turn served him with dignity, kindness, love and competence since he joined the artist’s Vinalhaven studio in 1988. Sean dedicated his life at the young age of 20 as a bodyguard, studio assistant and caretaker. Sean was thankful for the experiences and knowledge that Bob instilled in him during their 28 years of work and friendship.
Sean is survived by his father David Hillgrove Sr. and wife, Teresa; mother Kathy Wallace and husband, Essie Wallace, all of Rockland. Sean also leaves behind three children who were his world, Alexandria Aiken and husband, Logan, of Warren, Tyler Hajas of N.Y., and Natalie Hillgrove of Rockland; also left to cherish his memory are four beautiful grandchildren Colten Aiken, Finn Aiken, Beau Aiken and Aria Aiken. They will forever miss and love their “Grand-Poppy." May his love for life and spirit shine through in them all.
He is survived by siblings David Hillgrove Jr. and wife, Kati, of Cushing, Jamie Hillgrove of Rockland; niece and nephews, Kristopher Hillgrove, Stephen Killeran, Olivia Hillgrove, and Dawson Hillgrove of Cushing and Rockland; his beloved dog Sophie, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends; as well as one lifelong friend you could always find by his side, Webster Robinson.
Sean is predeceased by his brother Richard Hillgrove; paternal grandparents Robert E.Hillgrove and Elizabeth Hillgrove and maternal grandparents Richard E. Hunter and Mary Hunter.
A celebration of life is to be scheduled later this summer.
In honor of Sean’s love for animals, especially dogs, his family requests that donations in honor of him be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294 Rockland ME 04841.
Sean was always quick with a joke and a smile. A 1988 graduate from Rockland District High School, he had an adventurous soul, marched to the beat of his own drum and was a natural at anything he decided to try.
He was an exceptional athlete in all sports that he participated in. Throughout his childhood and adult years he loved martial arts and was extremely talented, winning many tournaments. If he wasn’t practicing karate, you could find him golfing, dirt biking, playing basketball, baseball, fishing, or on adventures with family and friends. There was never a dull moment when you were in the presence of Sean.
He was a lover of people and animals. He made many memories growing up with friends and family playing whiffle ball, basketball on Purchase St. playground, tackle football on North School field, four-wheeling on the power lines and Pleasant Mountain, playing video games and Scrabble for hours with the gang. Sean will forever be remembered by his beautiful blue eyes, mischievous grin and charming dimples when he smiled. A man with a heart of gold who would give the very shirt off his back to anyone in need. His personality was magnetic and infectious.
As a young man, Sean loved fishing of all sorts. From freshwater to saltwater, regardless if he was working or doing it just for fun, he always had a thirst for adventure and taking a trip to somewhere new. He spent his late teens scalloping out of state.
If there is an afterlife, we know Sean was greeted with joy and open arms by his longtime employer and friend, the late artist Robert Indiana (Bob), to whom he never got to say goodbye. Bob regarded Sean as the son he never had, and Sean in turn served him with dignity, kindness, love and competence since he joined the artist’s Vinalhaven studio in 1988. Sean dedicated his life at the young age of 20 as a bodyguard, studio assistant and caretaker. Sean was thankful for the experiences and knowledge that Bob instilled in him during their 28 years of work and friendship.
Sean is survived by his father David Hillgrove Sr. and wife, Teresa; mother Kathy Wallace and husband, Essie Wallace, all of Rockland. Sean also leaves behind three children who were his world, Alexandria Aiken and husband, Logan, of Warren, Tyler Hajas of N.Y., and Natalie Hillgrove of Rockland; also left to cherish his memory are four beautiful grandchildren Colten Aiken, Finn Aiken, Beau Aiken and Aria Aiken. They will forever miss and love their “Grand-Poppy." May his love for life and spirit shine through in them all.
He is survived by siblings David Hillgrove Jr. and wife, Kati, of Cushing, Jamie Hillgrove of Rockland; niece and nephews, Kristopher Hillgrove, Stephen Killeran, Olivia Hillgrove, and Dawson Hillgrove of Cushing and Rockland; his beloved dog Sophie, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends; as well as one lifelong friend you could always find by his side, Webster Robinson.
Sean is predeceased by his brother Richard Hillgrove; paternal grandparents Robert E.Hillgrove and Elizabeth Hillgrove and maternal grandparents Richard E. Hunter and Mary Hunter.
A celebration of life is to be scheduled later this summer.
In honor of Sean’s love for animals, especially dogs, his family requests that donations in honor of him be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294 Rockland ME 04841.