Obituary of John W Hill

John W. Hill passed from life April 23, 2012 at age 71 at his residence in Lakewood, WA. He was chronically ill with complications from Diabetes. After years of suffering, his final end came as he suffered a heart attack and passed within minutes. John was born at home August 6, 1940 in Mound City Illinois to parents Peggy O’Neal McGowan and Clarence W. Hill. Within a few years the family moved to Chicago. He recounted many times they lived in a one bedroom apartment so small his mother cooked on a hotplate while sitting on the edge of the bed. Refrigeration was a in the form of a delivered block of ice. Around 12 years of age John’s family moved to Southern California. For a family from a small town this was like moving to a new world. Both parents began working shift work leaving John with plenty of times to explore the city streets and he developed a strong sense of independence which lasted the rest of his life. John was very resourceful and held many jobs as a teenager and young man. He delivered prescriptions, worked in retail, was a tire buster and mechanic. On weekends he raced at the drag strips and his favorite place to relax was Disneyland which held youth dances on weekends. Later in life he used his artistic skills to create a stained glass business named Kaleidoscope Glass. What started out as a desire to learn the art became a business in which John was commissioned to do projects for those who wanted this artwork for their home. There are many homes in Tacoma, and neighboring areas which have beautiful stained glass windows designed, built, and installed by John. These are all beautiful and a wonderful tribute to his talent. In 1966 John married Carol Hill on a July 4th weekend in Las Vegas. John met Carol while working at a gas station near her work. He was 26 and she was 20 years old. They were married less than a year when they moved to Tacoma WA. John worked for Sears in the automotive garage. He volunteered for the Civil Defense fire department until he became a firefighter for the City of Tacoma in 1970. John was proud to be a firefighter and always said it was the best job he ever had. He worked at many Tacoma fire stations as well as the Fire Boat. He was highly praised by Fire Chief Tony Mitchell for his part in an aerial photography project of the city of Tacoma. He was promoted to Lieutenant which he remained until a disability retirement in 1984. John’s proudest accomplishment after leaving the department was returning to school and earning both a Bachelor’s degree and then a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Evergreen State College. During his educational years he interned for the Pierce County Council. After graduation, as a consultant he developed the Overall Economic Development Plan for Mason County, and developed the Conditional Use Permit Application Procedure for the City of Puyallup. John’s final position was with Pierce County as a Planner. While there he worked on the Economic development plan, land use issues and county codes until 2005. For many years John was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Lakewood. He held church positions and was instrumental in helping many members. He gained much personal happiness and growth as a member. John is survived by his wife Carol, daughter Chandra Stead and son Graham Hill. Chandra and Patrick Stead have two children, a son PJ (9), and daughter Lila (7). Graham and Kristen Scott Hill have two children, son Garrett (15) and daughter Genevieve (11). John loved his grandchildren and enjoyed hearing of their accomplishments. He is also survived by his dear friend Dianne Bindara who lived with John since he retired. The family is grateful to Dianne for her commitment to him and for the care she gave him throughout his illness. John had a thirst for knowledge, a keen intelligence, and interest in the pursuit of happiness. He will be missed and always remembered. He made an impact on his family, friends and citizens. The family thanks John’s personal physicians, Tacoma General Hospital staff, and Lakewood Fire Department Paramedics who all gave him the best medical care possible. Anyone wishing to honor John is asked to make a donation to the Diabetes Foundation. A memorial for John W. Hill will be held at 1:00 p.m., May 12, 2012 at the Lakeview Chapel, at 4606 108th St. SW, Lakewood, WA. 98499