Blair Hillman

LONG BEACH, Calif.— Blair Hillman, 39, Long Beach, Calif., formerly of Wynot, died Jan. 19, 2020, after a short illness. Leave it to Blair to enter and exit this world on the same day – he always had a way of being unique.  

There was a Celebration of Life Jan. 24 at Joe Josts Pub, Long Beach.

There will be an Open House Feb. 15, 4-8 p.m., with a Memorial Service and Video tribute at 5:30 p.m., for his family and friends, at Wynot Firehall. He was a Wynot Boy, and was proud of coming from Nebraska.

He was born Jan. 19, 1981, at Sacred Heart Hospital, Yankton, S.D., to Ted and Susie Hillman. He grew up in Wynot and graduated from Wynot High School in 1999. He went on to Wayne State College and then to UNL. Blair went on to lead an interesting life full of music, adventure, travel, gardening and sports.

He was a fanatic fantasy football player. His favorite teams were the Cornhuskers, Minnesota Twins and Dallas Cowboys. He loved Kirby Puckett. He loved to make hot sauce, moonshine and music.

Blair moved from Lincoln to Southern California in spring 2006 to pursue his music.  With a one-year return to Nebraska after a six-year hiatus from school, Blair received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from UNL in 2011.

Blair married Sarah Higgins Nov. 11 , 2015, after being best friends and partners for 14 years before that. They were a perfect complement to each other. Sarah was his #1 fan and supporter.

Blair was a passionate and talented musician.  He blessed the world through his music with his bands Brown Eye, Maggie, Great Big Things and Party Jams.  While Blair will not be in our lives physically, those who love him will continue to hear his wonderful voice and spirit through his music.  

Blair is survived by his wife, Sarah, Long Beach, Calif.; parents, Ted and Susie Hillman, Crofton; siblings, Tara Strathman (Mitch), Randolph; Haley Schmidt (Brett), Crofton; Tedsen Hillman, Vermillion, S.D.; niece, Rori; and nephews, Reece, Ryker and Beck; grandfather, Alvin Sudbeck; in-laws, Rich and Janice Higgins, Bow Valley; Ryan (Nikki) Higgins, St. Helena; Rachel Hladik (Josh), Valparaiso; Kelsie Wieseler (Devin), Bow Valley; nieces, Shaelee and Ada, and nephews, Anson, Cameron and Hendrix; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Blair was proceeded in death by his two maternal grandmothers, Terry Sudbeck and Pat Sudbeck; paternal grandparents, Blair and Mary Ann Hillman; and cousin, Tyler Ummach.