On Tuesday June 16 my dad Bob Hill passed away. It was in many ways a sweet and peaceful blessing, for him and for us. He was 92 years old, and up until 6 months ago he was still doing all of the same things he has loved since he was 11 years old; his music, his church, his cars and his family. During the past 15 years dad has been living in Fresno with his wife Shirley, and over the last few months it became more clear that he wanted to at least once get back to our family home in San Jose, where my sister still lives and so many of his accomplishments and memories reside. Last Saturday we were able to make that happen, and he settled into his old place with no pain, with many visits from family and friends, aware of what was around him, and he silently slipped away at 5:00 AM on Tuesday. No hospital, no pain, surrounded by family and friends. He was buried in Los Gatos along side my mother on Friday.
Shirley Hill, his wife of the last 15 years, is the one who is most deeply affected in this difficult transition for her. She has been his companion and his love, and for the last year more and more his caretaker. She was with him to the very end, and is now back at her home in Fresno with their dogs and her family and friends. She is really broken up and will need everyone's love to find joy in her life again. All of my thoughts and support and love go out to her in this difficult time.
My dad was an amazing multi-talented man — smart, funny, creative, loyal — with a good long life, and personally I feel I received my greatest strengths from him. I hope that his blood and his brains are the finest heritage I can pass on to my own children. These days have been so busy with arrangements that I haven't had the clarity of mind to really absorb this, it's surreal. I suppose this will be a process that will go on for the rest of my days.
There will be a memorial service at First Baptist Church in San Jose on July 11th, and also a memorial service at his church in Fresno as soon as we can arrange the date. I'll announce that when I know.
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| Bob Hill. 2014. |
Thank you all for your support.
Kenny Hill
Fathers day, June 21, 2015.
5 comments:
Oh, Kenny, I am so sad to hear about your dad. I have only wonderful memories of Bob. He was such a creative and joyful musician, and what a loyal and caring friend he was for my parents!
We will be in Louisiana on July 11, or I would be at his memorial. I wish I could see you all to thank you for the blessing he has always been in the lives of my family. My heart is with you as we are missing our Dads right now.
Love,
Tanya Pyle
Kenny, I'm so very sorry to hear about your dad; no matter how old, when they go, it's never easy. Your dad was an amazing man and a wonderful, lifelong friend to my dad, up until daddy's passing, in May of last year; they spoke on the phone often. Over the last 3 years of daddy's life, I cared for him fulltime. I can't tell you how many stories he shared with me,that I had not heard before, about how he and your dad met, the early years our parents spent together and so much more. We all sure had a lot of fun as an 'extended family'. I hope you are doing well... wanted you to know I'm thinking about you. Take care, my 'brother from another mother'!!!
Rebecca Adams
Thinking of you, Kenny. Four months today since my father's passing. It's one damn rough road but tender too. Or so it's been for me. Blessings on you.
sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. he was always so sweet to my mom. i really appreciated that. my love goes out to you and your family. Becky (Wall) King
Kenny, I'm sorry for your loss. My sister sent me your blog and told me about your Dad. I loved Bob and admired his character. He was always smiling, always positive. He'd come into our San Jose office to take my Dad to lunch and the two of them would relish being "old men with nothing to do but have long lunches." I know my Dad cared for him deeply and always gave him the credit for my Dad's autobiography.
Blessings to you and your family at this time. I wish I could be there on July 11th but will be out of town. Give my best to all your family, and though they may not remember me let them know how much I appreciate them and Bob.
Roy Goble
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