Farewell, Brother Bruce Hill

Bruce Hill, beloved and hardworking husband, dad, grandfather, outdoorsman and church leader, passed from this life at age 76 on September 8, 2015.  A lifetime resident of Utah, he was born to Wendell Bown and Lola May Olsen Hill on May 30, 1939 in Fayette.  As a young man, he met and married Deanne Christenson of Gunnison in February, 1956.  Their marriage was later solemnized in December 1962 in the Manti Temple.

Bruce was an avid sportsman who was happiest camping and hunting with his family in the great outdoors, and often reflected on time spent in 12-Mile Canyon where he would go to escape the summer heat.  He particularly enjoyed the time of the year when the leaves changed as the hot summer days transitioned into cooler fall weather. Some of his fondest memories are of the stillness of starlit nights around the campfire and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of a nearby brook.

Brother Hill, a longtime member of the B7 Ward, leaves behind a legacy of working hard and working often; and, he could always be depended on to just show up and "be" whatever was needed.  He enjoyed working side-by-side with family and friends, whether as a member of an LDS bishopric or at the church or family farm.

When his daughter and sons competed at many levels in athletics, Bruce was the quiet voice of encouragement who cheered them on. He was compassionate and non-judgmental with a kind word or deed for anyone in need.

Bruce loved being a home teacher, always providing words of encouragement or lending a helping hand. Some of his final words were a message to his children and grandchildren: "Please tell them I love them."

He leaves behind a beautiful family including his eternal companion Deanne and their children: Jeff (Shawn) Hill of Atlanta, GA; Greg (Jolie) Hill of Saratoga Springs; Mechelle Hill, a member of the B7 Ward; Ronnie (Tiffany) Hill of Logan; Richard W. Hill, a resident of San Francisco, CA; Bryant Kendall Hill of San Diego, CA; 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.  Bruce’s only surviving brother, Robert Wendell Hill lives in Seattle; WA.

Brother Bruce Hill will be missed by all who knew and loved him.  Condolences to the entire Hill family.