Matthew Hilliard

Matthew John Hilliard, 25, left this Earth early Sunday morning July 23rd, 2023 after bravely battling the onset of a chronic brain disorder. He was born on January 14, 1998 in Grand Forks, ND to John and Tami (Field) Hilliard.

Born out of a time that tested all those affected by the historic flood of the Red River in 1997, Matthew was welcomed into his family as a bestowal of love, purely representing resilience in the face of circumstances beyond one's control. His life was a cherished gift to the Earth, having brought with him so many beautiful intentions to share with his family and friends. Now, we must learn from his life although it seems he was called home too soon, for he entrusted us with just as many invaluable teachings.

As a little boy, Matthew aspired to be a superhero just like Spiderman. While patiently waiting for his powers to kick in, Matt learned he loved getting into all sorts of shenanigans like bug hunting and impromptu yard sales alongside his big sister and all the other neighborhood kids. Matthew began schooling at Wilder Elementary before moving to Larimore, ND the summer after first grade. Matthew honed his all around athleticism by faithfully studying and practicing a deep appreciation for his favorite sports - basketball, wrestling, and football all the while also refining his natural, precise skill for playing video games like The Legend of Zelda and tabletop games like Texas Hold’em.

Baptized at Calvary Lutheran Church as a baby, and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church as a teenager, Matthew graduated from Larimore High School in 2016 as a strong and gentle young man. He then worked as assistant manager at the Domino’s in Emerado, a manufacturing assembler at Retrax, returning again to food service in Grand Forks and the Arvilla Hitching Post bar & grill up until the pandemic began. He savored great pride in making delicious food for others, displaying his remarkable work ethic and ambitious drive through the exceptional care he took in being kind to his customers and coworkers.

He was a man of many interests and aspirations, he felt his sole purpose in life was to help others in need. His love was a constant presence through the hobbies he held close to his heart - understanding our world through music, delving deeper into the science of nutrition, becoming environmentally responsible by gardening, composting, and even practiced a vegan lifestyle for 4 years. Matthew was known around town for maintaining a jogging regimen and could also be seen out walking or playing fetch with his dearest puppy dogs. Another passion of his was the connection he had to his Native American heritage, learning the Ojibwe language and customs brought him a fuller understanding of all the distinctive threads that were beautifully woven together to make Matt who he was.

In the summer of 2019, Matthew was colonized with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) that drastically immobilized his autoimmune response system and took an emotional toll on his mental health. And with the onset of a chronic brain disorder in 2021, Matthew entered a clinical state of psychosis. After a bout of hospitalization in June of 2023, Matt started medication and was in the process of pursuing outpatient therapy when he was discharged. He wanted to live a good life, to wholeheartedly be a force for good.

Matthew leaves behind his mother and father, his best friend and sister Elise, foster brother John Jr, grandfather Roger Hilliard, uncle Robbin (Connie) Field, aunt Lori (Bob) Jacquemart, uncle Ali Losh, uncle David Wadena, great aunt Sharon Fjeld, great aunt and uncle James and Evie McKenzie, great aunt Shirley McKenzie, great uncle Doug Fuhrman, great uncle Jim Bush, cousins Bridgette Field, Kayla (Jerry) DeVold, Bobby (Bry) Lambert, Katie Field, Christopher Hilliard, Norma Fuhrman, Penny Fuhrman, and many second cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Curtis and Lois (McKenzie) Field, Audrey Hilliard, uncles Steven Field, Mark Hilliard, Rob Hilliard, great aunt and uncle Marvin and Margaret Wamstad, great uncle David McKenzie, great uncle Duane (Chub) Grotte, great aunt Donna Fuhrman, his beloved dogs Lindzey Lou and Molly Sue, cats Sylvia, Max, Kiki, and Miss Kitty.

We will be having a Celebration of Life on August 12, 2023, at 2:00 pm at University Park, Grand Forks, ND. Thank you to Bakke Funeral Home who has been wonderful in working with us at this difficult time. Matthew’s family would also like to thank all the first responders that Matthew encountered along the way, for treating him with care and recognizing his condition as one of mental health emergencies. Forever, will we mourn Matthew’s passing, for his life was a precious gift that now serves as a boundless source of strength to honor his life.