While I didn't know Brian Hilyer on a best friend basis, I do know one thing. The man was taken from us too soon. I write this viewing it from the sidelines of it all. Brian worked at our local ACE Hardware store here in Seneca. As I got to know him through the past 10 years or so, I found someone that was always helpful, knowledgeable, and would go the extra mile for the customer. It got to the point that I could call Brian for something and he would have it waiting for me when I got to the store because I was usually pressed for time. He also impressed my Mom who worked next door in the business office. If Mom called me and needed something, my first call would be to Hilyer and he would bring it over to her. Over the years I have learned that our good experiences with Brian were not out of the ordinary. They were pretty much the norm with him. I have talked with his fellow employees over the past couple of days and I firmly believe that it is like they have lost a brother or son. One of his coworkers who works at the Walhalla store had a hard time choking back the tears when we talked about him today.
The young ladies loved Mr. Hilyer too and it seems he had quite the following that thought he was a pretty handsome and nice dude. This coworker also mentioned that he had quite the customer following that considered Brian their personal "Helpful Hardware Man."
In a small store atmosphere, every employee considers the other family because you wind up spending more time with your coworkers than you do your real family. That doesn't mean you don't want to kill them sometimes but hell, you do that with your real family. I am still fairly close to the Tri County Family having spent many of my early years in the business there and of course with Mom being in the offices for 25 years or so. I haven't ever heard anyone say one bad thing about Brian. I really guess that's why I liked Brian and why his passing really bothers me. I guess we were kindred spirits in a way. I have always, no matter what company I worked for, tried to help my customer to the best of my ability and beyond. To my knowledge, Brian was the same way.
The other reason his passing bothers me so much is that he was so young. 36 years old I think. At 41, that's really hitting close to home. Look when you get to be 41, even people in their mid thirties are young. The point is you begin to question your mortality. NOBODY is promised tomorrow. That's why you must live life for the day! You must prepare for the future but let me tell you, things like this let you know real quick the future isn't a done deal. I am not the poster child for religion. I have done things in my past that would curl some hairs. BUT, I do believe in God's forgiveness and I do know that he has prepared a place for us. We will see all those we have befriended and loved in our lifetime that have gone before us when we arrive at those Pearly gates. My Grandaddy is waiting up there. Brian is up there waiting for us too.
Eric, Shannon, Emily, and the rest of the Hilyer family: If you are reading this, know that there are many prayers and many hands lifting your family up in this time of need. Brian was a great man. He was just gone too soon...
