Lifelong Federal Way resident Byron Hiller, 53, has volunteered at a variety of local organizations for more than 30 years.
“He’s been involved in at least a few things ever since I’ve known him,” said Julie Hiller, his wife. “It’s just the way he is. He feels like he’s had a blessed life and that he can and should care for others. Byron get’s a lot of satisfaction from helping out.”
Byron Hiller works as a realtor for Coldwell Banker Danforth in Federal Way with his wife. His volunteer efforts include being president of Federal Way Rotary Club and board chair for the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. He has volunteered for ReachOut, FUSION (Friends United to Shelter the Indigent Oppressed and Needy) and Christ Lutheran Church.
“I have been part of the community since the early 70s and have watched Federal Way grow and change,” Byron Hiller said. “I have always been happy to participate wherever I can to help people and help the community.”
The Mirror recognized Byron Hiller as its Citizen of the Month for November. With this recognition, he received a $50 gift certificate to Jimmy Mac’s.
“He definitely deserves this,” said Brian Ailinger, Byron Hiller’s friend. “He is always looking for ways to help the community and that is a rare person.”
Ailinger and Byron Hiller often volunteer together.
“Byron and I met at church 15 years ago and have been great friends ever since,” Ailinger said. “He’s always been a good role model for me and he got me to be more involved in the community.”
Ailinger said he always made the excuse that he didn’t have time to volunteer before he met Byron Hiller.
“He taught me that it’s important to create priorities and how I can juggle my obligations,” Ailinger said. “I learned how wonderful it is to give back to your community.”
Byron Hiller said he gives his community service the same importance as his day job.
“I devote one-third of my working day to my civil groups and projects,” he said. “What usually happens is that opportunities come knocking and others fade away, so I just try to go where I am needed.”
His wife agrees he deserves the recognition.
“He does so much community service and he’s inspired me to do more as well,” she said. “There is literally no limit to what he is willing to do.”
Julie Hiller said she met her husband when she was hired to work at his mother’s real estate office.
“He wasn’t planning on going into real estate at all, but we were going out and he realized I was really into it and decided to pursue it with me,” Julie Hiller recalled. “We got married when I was 18 and he was 19 and now we’ve been married for 33 years.”
“Some people will write checks and some give time to organizations,” Julie Hiller said. “Byron gives both ways and he does it from the heart. He does it because that’s just who he is.”
