WELD — Henry Hilton of Weld passed away on May 20, 2017, at the age of 71.
Born on May 1, 1946, to Seaverns and Helen (Mumaw) Hilton, Henry grew up in Weld and developed a love of travel at an early age. He graduated from Dirigo High School and served in the U.S. Air Force before receiving a biology degree from the University of Maine at Farmington and a master’s degree from the University of Maine in Orono’s School of Forest Resources, focusing his studies on the eastern coyote. His research on the eastern coyote is considered seminal and, with his contributions in the field throughout his career, remains frequently cited.
Henry worked as a wildlife biologist for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife for more than 20 years. During that same time, he traveled extensively in support of the University of Maine’s International Natural Resources and Agriculture Program, delivering wildlife management workshops in Jordan, Pakistan and Morocco. He developed a passion for the rare species he worked with abroad, especially the ibex and oryx.
He was particularly proud of his contributions to the restoration of the once locally extinct oryx to Jordan, his efforts supporting snow leopard protection in Pakistan and his work training Peace Corp volunteers in Morocco in conservation and wildlife management practices and in adapting effectively to the local culture.
Henry was a skilled nature photographer, whose work appeared in Down East magazine as well as various newspapers and scholarly publications.
In his retirement, Henry returned to his childhood home in Weld and worked as a park ranger at Rangeley Lake, Grafton Notch, and Mount Blue State parks. A thoughtful and kindhearted man, Henry was a loving partner, father and grandfather. He had a knack for truly enjoying the simple moments of life, and an admirable way of connecting with people and leaving an impression as he made his way through the world.
Preceded by his parents and older brother, Henry will be missed by many.
He is survived by his partner, Sarah Reid; children, Todd Hilton (Myla), Sarah Hilton (Matt), and Elspeth Kim (Dan); sister-in-law, Homa Hoodfar; grandchildren; and many friends.
Henry Hilton
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