LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF MANITOBA
Private Members Statement by Greg Nesbitt, MLA for Riding Mountain
as delivered in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba
on Tuesday, the 3rd of November, 2020

Bill and Sue-On Hillman
A love affair with each other and music that began in the mid-1960s, continues on today.

Bill and Sue-On Hillman were married on August 29, 1966 beginning their life-long love for each other and the opportunity to enjoy their passion for music together.

At the age of two, her mother pressed Sue-On Choy into the arms of a neighbour fleeing to Hong Kong from the oppression of the communist government in China. Even after mother Jade managed to  join her in Hong Kong, it would be eight more confusing years until the family, including her father Soo, could be reunited in Canada. The family made their way to Newdale, Manitoba, where Sue-On eventually went to school and worked at the family-owned Paris Cafe. 

At the age of 15 she fell in love with a Strathclair boy and musician -- Bill Hillman -- and they married when she turned 18. Both attended Brandon University and performed nightly in Brandon nightspots to earn enough money to earn five university degrees and become high school teachers. Bill taught in Strathclair for 30 years. 

Together with Barry Forman of Rivers, the Hillmans formed The Western Union, performing at area dances, touring Western Canada, the United States and England during the summer and recording albums in the early 1970s. In total, the couple cut 12 albums of original music and were featured regularly on CBC television. 

The Hillmans also found the time to raise three children: Ja-On, Robin and China-Li, who are all actively involved in music. 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of all Manitobans, I want to recognize Bill and Sue-On Hillman for their 54 years of marriage and their contribution to the vibrant music industry in Manitoba over the past six decades. 

Thank you,
Greg Nesbitt, MLA
Riding Mountain Constituency

https://youtu.be/p3eXOdUIgJ4