John Francis Hiller, a longtime Malibu resident, died Dec. 22. He was 49.
Born in Albany, N.Y. on Jan. 2, 1957, Hiller graduated from Guilderland High School in 1976. He was was a calvary scout for an armored calvary unit in the U.S. Army, and served a stint of duty at the base in Wiesbaden, Germany.
Friends say Hiller was a spiritual, gentle and generous person. At the time of his death, Hiller was working at Grace, a nonprofit organization in Grapevine, Texas that provides groceries, housing, medical care and other help to people in need.
Hiller was a member of the Waban-Aki Nation in Wolinak, Quebec, Canada. Friends say he was proud of his Native American heritage.
Hiller was preceded in death by his mother, Edna DeGonzaque. He is survived by his son, Shane Patrick Hiller; brother and sister-in-law, George and Patrice Hiller; nieces Danielle and Ariana; companion, Patricia Kirk; step-grandson, Trey Smith and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial service held by friends took place on Jan. 4 at Webster Elementary School.