This is a very basic outline of Hilton’s life. I will over time refine it to the standard his life justifies – a man that worked with Ernest Rutherford on splitting the atom and one who dedicated his life to academia and learning.
Born 21 July 1884 at Christchurch, Hilton was the youngest child of the family and went on to lead a very interesting life.
1890-1897 attended St Albans School, Christchurch
1898-1902 attended Christchurch Boys High School
Civil Service Junior Examination 1903
Canterbury College (University of New Zealand), earning his M.A. in 1908 and M.Sc. in 1909
Lecturer in Physics, Manchester University between 1912-1919
1914-1918 Royal Field Artillery – 2nd Lieutenant. He served in Egypt, Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) and Northern India.
Chair Professor of Physics at Hong Kong University between 1920-1923.
Professor of Physics at Victoria College, Wellington from 1923 to 1950.
There is an interesting article published on Hilton Florance’s life up to 1923
Married Bertha Robson on the 27 November 1923 at Christchurch.
| Child | Born | Married | Children | Died | Comments |
| Elizabeth Ann | 4 Nov 1925 | 1950 | 5 | 13 Jan 2022 | Abraham |
| Jane Lidwill | 22 Jan 1927 | 1959 | 2 | 28 Aug 1990 | Jobey |
Hilton passed away on the 27 August 1975 at Wellington and his remains were cremated at Karori Crematorium and returned to the family.
Bertha passed away on the 25 July 1985 at Palmerston North and her remains were cremated at Kelvin Grove Crematorium and her ashes returned to the family.
There is no headstone to either Hilton or Bertha.