Longtime Soap Box Derby leader leaves 40-year legacy
NEW PHILADELPHIA (December 30, 2024) – The Tuscarawas County Soap Box Derby will carry on, but for the first time in four decades it will be without longtime director Tim Hiller.
Hiller passed away Thursday, Dec. 26, at the age of 66. He had been in declining health recently.
https://www.tolandherzig.com/obituaries/timothy-hiller
Hiller was inducted into the International Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame earlier this year as the longest serving race director in the country, having started in 1984.
Local Soap Box Derby Board President Brian Stull called Hiller the rock of their program.
“We just hope everybody – past racers – keeps the family in their prayers and their thoughts,” Stull said. “I know that Tim has touched many lives, not only in the Derby world, but he was an avid bowler, he raced at Midvale Speedway and he was part of Jaycees for a while. So he has touched many lives outside of the Derby itself. He’s going to be sorely missed.”
Stull says the board will meet to discuss how to honor Hiller during the upcoming season.
“We will definitely still be racing come June. June 7th is our race this year. We will definitely still carry on in his absence and in his honor.”
Calling hours for Tim Hiller are Thursday from 4 to 7 at Toland-Herzig Funeral Home, where there will be a service on Friday at 11 a.m.
