In Memory of

David

Sprague

Hildinger

Obituary for David Sprague Hildinger

Dave Hildinger passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020 at the age of 91.

Dave was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He received his Masters of Music from the University of Michigan in 1951. In 1954 he did post-graduate work at the Manhattan School of Music. After New York, he moved to Germany to work in radio, television, film and stage where he composed, arranged and conducted.

In September 1960 Dave married the love of his life, Nancy (pre-deceased). He and Nancy raised 4 children together: Kelly Lynch, Marcy Firth (Ian), Nina Whissell (Eric) and Jean Hildinger. Dave and Nancy were also very blessed to have 5 grandchildren: Cressida Firth, Shelly Firth (Jamie), Sprague Whissell, Nancy Hildinger and Henry Morris. As well, Dave is survived by three great grandchildren: Viola Irish, Lyon Irish and Ila Marquardt.

Dave was a pianist, composer, arranger, conductor, professor, music consultant and mentor in the U.S, Germany and Canada. He was well known as a great jazz pianist around Ottawa for many years but his longest and best known gig was with the University of Ottawa as a Professor of Music. Here he initiated and led the Jazz Program, mentoring and encouraging many young musicians. His students and fellow musicians will remember him as exacting and with high standards, but also with a sense of humour. Dave retired in 1991 after 20 years with Ottawa U.

Music and travel were Dave's loves, as well he enjoyed riding his bike, skating the canal and cross-country skiing. He shared all this and more with his children and gave them wonderful memories to cherish.

Dave will be greatly missed by his family and everyone who knew him.

Dave’s family would like to thank the staff, management, volunteers and residents of Starwood Extendicare in Nepean for all the compassion and care given to him.

A Celebration of Life will be planned in the future.