Shaun Michael Hilton was born on September 27, 1977 in Tillamook, OR to Tammy Nielsen of Tillamook and Rick Hilton of Las Vegas. He was blessed with bonus parents, Tim Nielsen as his stepdad and Cheryl Hilton as his stepmom. Shaun lived most of his life in Tillamook, however he spent the majority of his high school years in Pahrump, Nevada with his dad and stepmom, sister and brother, where he graduated from Pahrump Valley High School in 1996. After graduation he returned to Tillamook and worked as a roofer, before starting at Hampton Lumber where he spent 24 years in various roles and worked as a supervisor. Shaun was proud of his employment at Hampton Lumber and would always tell people what a wonderful place it was to work. If you had a question about lumber, Shaun was the person to ask. Shaun was all in on every aspect of life, including sports. He was the ultimate Oregon Ducks Football fan and he frequently saw football games in Eugene with family and friends, having a special Oregon Duck bond with his uncle Rich Rush. They were both fanatics when it came to their Ducks often debating outcomes of games and football strategy. He was also a big Portland Trailblazer fan, spending many evenings watching games with his grandparents Jerry and Maxine Richter.
He was an even bigger fan of his children, Elijah and Aubrey for their accomplishments. Shaun was married to Jennifer Chitwood and in 2003, they welcomed their son Elijah Hilton. As a youngster Elijah was a spitting image of his dad. Shaun talked nonstop about Elijah with a smile and glint in his eyes. They spent time playing catch and sports and just enjoyed being together. Elijah, now 21, also works at Hampton Lumber, making Shaun extremely proud. The fact that Shaun was able to work alongside his son and his Uncle Rich, making work a family affair, meant a lot to Shaun.
Shaun later married Elyse Iwaniw and they welcomed their daughter Aubrey Hilton in 2007. Aubrey is now 16 years old and a star athlete at Tillamook High School. Shaun was very proud of Aubrey’s work ethic and dedication to becoming an accomplished athlete. Shaun and Elyse spent countless hours with Aubrey as a child supporting her dance endeavors, practicing Volleyball and Basketball, taking her to numerous tournaments throughout the state. He was so proud of Aubrey, telling anyone who would listen about her many accomplishments and how much he loved her.
Shaun carried on the male tradition in his family by giving his sisters grief! They often got even with him, in particular his sister Jenny put holly leaves in his bed and hid in the closet to watch his reaction. He was not happy. When sister Melissa was little, Shaun and Jenny told her to rake the top of her mom’s car, so being the obedient little sister, she did. When his mother Tammy tried to take a picture of her 3 children, they could never be still or serious for a nice family photo, always being silly. Shaun spent a lot of time in Nevada with his dad, stepmom, his sister Alicia and brother Richard. Much time was spent hanging out, annoying his sister and brother and playing basketball outside with his best buddies Barron and Chad.
Family was extremely important to Shaun. He had a very large extended family and Shaun made it very clear to everyone how much he loved his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Shaun was the first born amongst the cousins, so he was always everyone’s baby boy. This instilled in him a strong sense of family faith, loyalty, dedication and unconditional love. These traits were the core of who Shaun was. Shaun was accepting of all and no matter whether you agreed or disagreed with him, he still loved you and had your back. There were many family functions where Shaun would get all the kids riled up, like only Shaun could do, with a smile and sparkle in his eye. While annoying at times, we all would just smile as it was clear how much he loved his family, no matter the age.
In the last few months of Shaun’s life, his number one priority was getting his life right with Jesus Christ. He had long conversations with family and friends, letting them know how much they meant to him and how important God was in his journey forward.
Shaun will be extremely missed by all who knew him and loved him. Shaun would appreciate your love and support towards his family, especially Elyse, Elijah and Aubrey during this difficult time.
Shaun is survived by his wife Elyse Hilton, son Elijah Hilton, daughter Aubrey Hilton all of Tillamook; his mom and stepdad, Tammy and Tim Nielsen of Tillamook; his dad and stepmom, Rick and Cheryl Hilton of Las Vegas; his sisters Jenny Pingel and Melissa Marcum of Tillamook, his sister Alicia Hilton Lozada of Las Vegas, his brother Richard Hilton of Las Vegas. Also survived are grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews who all loved Shaun very much.
A celebration of life service will be held on June 22, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Tillamook Christian Center. In honor of Shaun and his love for sports, please wear Oregon Duck or Portland Trailblazer gear if you are able! In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Tillamook High Athletics Booster Fund.
