Edmund Hilliard

Edmund Needham "Ed" Hilliard, 1944–2024

Edmund Needham "Ed" Hilliard, a beloved professor, landscape architect, and lifelong lover of nature, passed away peacefully at his Norman, Oklahoma, home on October 23, 2024, with his wife, Heather, holding his hand. Born in Ithaca, New York, on November 2, 1944, to Alec Rowley and Annabel Needham Hilliard, Ed's adventurous spirit and love for the natural world began early. His childhood was filled with climbing behind waterfalls and keeping a menagerie of wildlife in his room, much to his mother's chagrin, who famously declared, "It's them or me."

Ed's eternal curiosity and calm positivity shone through his crystal-blue eyes, paired with a warm smile, contagious laughter, and uplifting spirit. A lifelong lover of classical music, Ed's passion was first inspired by a family friend, a master pianist whose playing filled the air with the music of the great composers. Since then, classical music remained a constant soundtrack in his life and in every place he lived.

Known for his love of walking, Ed made it a priority wherever he could, often marveling at trees, especially Burr Oaks, wildflowers, birds and all creatures. His hands-on approach was evident in his passions, as he was known to hand-dig ponds, remodel homes, tend a flock of sheep, and scale mountain peaks-sometimes even in gym shoes.

Ed earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture in 1967 and a Master of Environmental Science in 1980 from Syracuse University, launching a celebrated career that spanned Scotland, New York, Saudi Arabia, Oregon, and Oklahoma. Gaining particular acclaim for his master plan of Stirling University in Edinburgh, Ed's work demonstrated an exceptional sensitivity to both environmental

and cultural aspects of design.

As a respected professor, Ed taught at five universities across three countries while maintaining a private practice. While in Oregon, he focused on environmental restoration and downtown revitalization projects. Later, as director of OU's Division of Landscape Architecture from 1985-1995 and as Visiting and Adjunct Professor at OU's College of Architecture from 2001-2010, Ed's gentle but intentional approach to teaching and his commitment to ecologically-minded design left a lasting mark on his students and colleagues.

A master draftsman, Ed shared his creative insights with students, collaborating with design professionals to develop environmentally sensitive solutions and honoring the "genius loci" of each site. His reverence for nature shaped his professional work and teachings, inspiring a love for hiking, wildlife, and wild places that his sons, Jack and Julian, proudly carry forward.

With Heather, Ed built a joyful life filled with art, nature, travel, and anything botanical. Their home, surrounded by a lush garden, became a sanctuary for shared creativity. Together, they cherished long road trips in their vintage VW bus, exploring landscapes and creating lasting memories. Heather's dedication to Ed was unwavering, especially during his final years-a testament to their deep, loving bond.

Ed is survived by Heather Hilliard, his much-loved wife of 16 years; his two sons, John Edmund "Jack" (Karen) Hilliard and Julian Gareth (Tara) Hilliard and their mother Nancy Welch; and his dear grandson, Eric. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Lisa, and his former wife, Keven Virgilio.

Ed's memory will live on through his family, friends, students, and the landscapes he helped shape. His love for life, adventure, and the natural world will continue to inspire all who knew him. A private celebration of Ed's life will honor his joyful spirit and commitment to making the world a more beautiful place.