Dean Hildebrand passes away

[marine_man]

From the Grand Forks Herald:

Dean Hildebrand, former director of the North Dakota Game and Fish Department, died Tuesday evening while hospitalized in Rochester, Minn., sources have confirmed.

He was 70.

A native of Kulm, N.D., Hildebrand was director of the Game and Fish Department from March 1996 until December 2005.

Before becoming Game and Fish director, Hildebrand was chief of staff for the North Dakota National Guard. He served in the Guard for nearly 40 years. He also taught science at Devils Lake High School and UND-Lake Region in Devils Lake and operated a marina in Devils Lake.

Hildebrand served in the state Legislature in the 1970s, representing Devils Lake in the House.

Last month, the Game and Fish Department dedicated a new wildlife management area in Hildebrand’s honor. The 280-acre Dean C. Hildebrand Wildlife Management Area is located along the Red River northeast of Drayton, N.D.

Hildebrand was able to attend the dedication ceremony along with his family but was unable to speak.

Survivors include his wife, Joey, Bismarck, and three adult children.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

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Dean did a heck of a job as ND GNF director. May he rest in peace.

marine_man

[harvey lee]

Sorry to hear this. I met Dean at the handicapped hunt I help with each year and I really thought he was a straight shooter.

[ROOKSTER69]

I'm sorry to hear of Deans passing. He was a great promoter and valued conservator of the fish and wildlife of ND.

[deacon]

Dean did a heck of a job as ND GNF director. May he rest in peace.

Well said, he did a lot for wildlife and fish.

[Springerguy1]

Sorry to hear about him passing away - a 1st class guy. His two sons' were my fraternity brothers at UND, really nice family. Dean also spent many years in the National Guard before serving as head of the Game/Fish.

[Scott M]

That's sad to hear. He was a real conservation hero. Not too many people that give that much public service during their lifetime.