Douglas Erwin Hiland
September 10, 1951 ~ January 27, 2025
Douglas Erwin Hiland, a beloved friend, partner, and dedicated legal professional passed away on January 27, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at the age of 73. He was born on September 10, 1951, in Janesville, Wisconsin, to John Hiland and Barbara Campbell, who instilled in him the values of hard work and compassion that shaped his character throughout his life.
Doug's journey in law spanned over 35 remarkable years, during which he practiced in Indianapolis, specializing in litigation for small businesses and navigating corporate matters of law. His commitment to his clients and his meticulous approach to legal challenges earned him a well-deserved reputation in the community as a reliable advocate. Doug’s educational journey began at the University of Delaware, where he graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, before continuing to earn his Law degree (Cum Laude) from Indiana University.
Outside of his legal career, Doug was a man of many passions. Music held a special place in his heart; he once played the drums in a band during his youth, and his love for rhythm and melody brought joy to those around him. An avid sports fan, Doug took immense pride in participating in his Fantasy Football League each year, showcasing his competitive spirit and love for the game.
A gentle soul with a great sense of humor, Doug had the rare gift of brightening the darkest of days with laughter. His extensive vocabulary often turned even the simplest conversations into opportunities for learning, as he encouraged and challenged those around him to expand their minds and embrace knowledge. He thrived in the role of a "teacher," sharing insights on a myriad of subjects, always with understanding.
In his personal life, Doug shared countless cherished memories with his partner, Ruth. Together, they embraced culinary adventures, exploring new restaurants and relishing in the joy of experiencing new places. Doug's heart was also open to the many feral cats in his neighborhood, reflecting his kind and nurturing spirit; he could often be found feeding them, a testament to his deep love for animals.
Though Doug has left this world, the impact he made will resonate within the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, wit, and unwavering dedication to both his profession and personal interests will forever be remembered. As we reflect on the life of Douglas Erwin Hiland, we celebrate his journey, the lives he touched, and the love he shared with those around him. He will be deeply missed.
Doug is survived by his partner of 42 years; Ruth Notter, daughter; Cindy Hiland-McNalley, granddaughter; Madison Schnurpel, and his mother, Barbara Campbell.
Doug is preceded in death by his father; John E. Hiland and brother; Scott Hiland.
Please visit www.orileybranson.com to leave a memory of Doug or to sign the online guest book.
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After sharing 42 years with Doug, I remember his sense of humor above everything. That is what attracted him to me when we first met. He was very proud of his career as an attorney. He loved to read and after retiring read several books per week. He participated in Fantasy Football for over 20 years and totally loved it. He had a very competitive nature and looked forward to the next football season. He loved cats and until the last year or so always had an indoor cat. He adopted some feral cats after he retired, and never failed to take care of them each day or made sure someone took care of them if he couldn’t. He loved music and could name a song after hearing just a few notes! His friends were fiercely loyal to him and ignored his quirks! He definitely will be missed.
Goodbye my darling! Ruth Notter
My husband and I have been neighbors with Doug for over 29 years. He was a good neighbor and his humor was always in tip top shape! After we had to put our cat down, he would always ask us when we were getting a new cat. His dedication to the feral cats in the neighborhood will be sorely missed. RIP.
Prayers for your new journey cousin.
I remember meeting you in law school when you were cringing and worried about the world being a big and scary place (just after a divorce, no doubt), and we sort of hung out together for years and I always had to have a place for your office in mine. You got me to get tix to the Indianapolis Indians and we enjoyed all the times at Bush and Victory. You even got David interested in your Fantasy Football and he just had to have his Swamp Squirrels team – and I had to create the info for his analysis of who he should draft. Farewell, my friend.
We’ve been neighbors with Doug since fall of 1993. He was beloved by all in the neighborhood. Through good health and bad, he always had a positive outlook & waved everytime we happened to see him outside. When we were fortunate enough to chat with him, he always had a kind word or funny story to tell. And, yes, his love of our neighborhood cats was unmatched. He had names for every one of them. On Father’s Day 2020, a cute little gray kitten shyly found her way to our back yard cookout. We fed her a few small scraps of chicken from the grill & she’s never left us. Doug later told me her name was Grey & shared her family history with me. I hope cats go to Heaven…it will be grand reunion. Rest in peace my friend.