Richard Hill

Richard Leo Hill

Richard Leo Hill, ATCS, USN (Ret.) died suddenly in Fort Hood, Texas on May 26, 2005, at the age of 66. He was born May 5, 1939 in Denver, Colo. to Leo M. and Grace (Cullen) Hill. He spent most of his early life in Denver.

Mr. Hill entered the U.S. Navy in 1961 and was trained as an electronics technician. He was married to Nancy L. Hendren in Denver on Feb. 7, 1963. Dick spent his Navy time living stateside. His overseas experience was on many cruises. His family traveled with him to several duty stations in California, Memphis, Tennessee, Pax River, Maryland and Whidbey Island. He retired from the Navy as an ATCS (E-8) at NAS Whidbey Island on July 31, 1989. Following retirement, Dick went to work for Tramco/BF Goodrich Center at Paine Field for five years, working on aircraft maintenance.

In November of 2002, Dick and Nancy became full time RV’ers. They hooked up to their travel trailer and began wandering the United States. Dick was an avid history buff and enjoyed visiting the historical locations on the East Coast. Their travels recently brought them to Ft. Hood, Texas.

Dick was a loving husband and father and a kind and honest man. He enjoyed the big band sounds of the 1940’s.

Dick is survived by his wife Nancy of Oak Harbor; by two children, Gregory “Greg” Hill and wife Teresa of Auburn, and daughter Rachel Richards of Tacoma, and two grandchildren, Renee Richards of Tacoma and Erik Hill of Auburn. One brother, Jim Hill of Oak Harbor and two sisters, Beverly Rau of North Carolina and Terelyn of South Carolina, also survive. His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Richard Hill were held June 3 at Burley Funeral Chapel with CDR. Fred Renfroe, CHC, USN(Ret) officiating. Full military honors followed under the auspices of the NAS Whidbey Island Honor Guard. Cremation will take place with burial at sea conducted by the U.S. Navy.