It is with great sadness we announce that MORRIS HILLSTEAD passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the age of 83 years.

Morris was predeceased by Fern, his wife of 59 years and eldest daughter Kelly Mantler. He is survived by his daughters Barbara (Bote) Miedema and Charlotte Bennett; grandchildren and great-grandchildren Robin Bullock, Matt (Kaylie) Mantler and Aaliyah, Danelle Mantler and Seirah, Haley (Aaron) Wierenga and Patrick, Addison, Tanner and Macy. Also left to mourn is his sister Eunice Polasek; as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was also predeceased by his parents Ted and Bessie Hillstead; siblings Ken, Roy, Marion, Harold and Glenna; and other special family members.

Morris was the youngest of seven children and grew up in south eastern Saskatchewan. When the family relocated back to Beaubier in his teen years, he attended Lake Alma school where he met and fell in love with Fern, who soon became his wife. As a young family finding their way, they moved many times for opportunities. He enjoyed driving truck and was mentored along the way by his brothers. Driven to break out on his own, together he and Fern proudly built and operated a successful oilfield trucking business for many years.

The consummate sportsman, he loved playing sports (golf, bowling, curling), encouraging family and friends in their endeavors, and enthusiastically watched nearly every sport on TV. He and Fern spent so many enjoyable years golfing, camping and building friendships at Indian Hill golf course.

Morris was a devoted family man instilled with strong values of hardwork, fairness, respect and kindness. He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing many special moments and milestones. Papa cared for them and guided them, thoroughly enjoying their stories and antics. We will miss him immeasurably.

We thank the professionals at AHS and wish to extend a special thank you to the CRH Nurses and care staff of Unit 3B for their kindness and compassion during Dad’s time of need.

A Celebration of Morris’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge AB, on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 12:00 P.M. A time of fellowship & refreshments will follow.

The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Morris’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

A private Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to contribute to a charity of your choice in Morris’s memory.

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2026-02-07
• Location : Alberta