John D. Hillbrook

John ""Jade"" Hillbrook, 61 died Friday, June 22, 2007 after a short illness, valiantly fought. Born November 28, 1945 in Aurora, son of Roger and Vonna Jean Hillbrook. Graduated West High School and earned three degrees from the University of Arizona and University of Wyoming. He was a vivacious reader of books written in foreign languages. He had worked as a translator with his fluent skills for reading and writing in five languages. John ""Jade"" loved the outdoors and you would see him anywhere he could hike, climb or bicycle. His passion took him to Arizona many times where he had future plans to return and retire with his love, Claudia. Survived by: brother Roger Hillbrook of Del Mar, CA; niece, Erin Scissors of Florida; aunt, Lorraine Cunningham of Edina, MN.; several cousins; four life long special friends, Bob Block, Tom Felvey, Rich Gough, Cliff Freeman and his special best friend and love Claudia Grenert. He was preceded in death by his parents. The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Northern Illinois Hospice. Funeral mass Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with Rev. Andrew Hougan officiating. Interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Tuesday in church from 9-9:45 a.m. Memorials may be made to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center, 4215 Newburg Rd. Rockford, IL 61108.