Ian Carlisle Hilton, 86, of Stanwood, WA, passed away April 19, 2024 with loving family by his side. He was born March 4, 1938 in Everett, WA, son of Ian and Katherine Hilton, and younger brother to Joan.

Educated in the Marysville school system, he was a multi-sport athlete at Marysville High School, graduating in 1956. He attended Everett Junior College before joining the United States Coast Guard, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1966.

He began his career with West Coast Telephone Company (later becoming GTE) in 1960, working at multiple locations around the region before his final stop at the Marysville office. During his 33-year career there, he especially enjoyed his time on Stevens Pass, navigating a SnoCat to the summit to troubleshoot microwave and fiberoptics equipment, ensuring the communication signals' safe travel to the receiving sites below. He was certified by the FCC with a General Radiotelephone Operator's License in 1985, before retiring from GTE in 1993.

He and wife Nancy met at a local beach gathering with friends, and married shortly thereafter in 1962. Their first home was alongside Allen Creek in north Marysville where they raised their two children, before settling in the new house they built on Port Susan in 1985.

Ian enjoyed attending their children's sporting events, and coached youth basketball for several years. He was an avid UW Husky football & basketball fan, and he and Nancy enjoyed their season tickets for many years. His Port Susan hobbies included boating, crabbing, swimming, weekly volleyball games with friends and family, and relaxing on the beach. In retirement, he would occasionally model for Bayliner product brochure productions.

He is survived by wife Nancy, daughter Heidi (Kevin), her children Austin, Blake and Luke; son Jeff (Susanne), their sons Seth and Drew; as well as the many members of his extended family.

The family is grateful to Skagit Valley Hospital for his excellent care, and in accordance with his wishes, will hold a celebration of his outstanding life later in July, to which all will be invited.