TOPSHAM – Richard L. Hill, Sr., 81, of Sandy River Plantation, died unexpectedly early Monday morning, Oct. 20, 2014, at the home of his daughter in Topsham.
He was born in Hickory Park, Penn., on Sept. 20, 1933, a son of Thomas E. and Mary C. (Kulp) Hill. He attended Pennsylvania schools, and left early to join the United States Army. After he was honorably discharged, he returned home to take over the family farm following his father’s passing.
In addition to running the farm he also worked for Cabot Corporation in Boyertown for over 30 years, retiring in 1995, when he and his wife moved to Sandy River Plantation.
Mr. Hill attended and volunteered at the Church of the Good Shepherd and the Rangeley Lakes Logging Museum. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for hunting and fishing. He was especially proud of harvesting his 100th deer.
Although he enjoyed hunting, he had a great love of feeding and caring for the wildlife around his home. He was particularly fond of the raccoons that would come to the front door and take treats right from his hand.
He was known for his amazing sense of humor and sound advice that could shine a light in any storm. He always said, “when you’re at the bottom you’ve got nowhere to go but up,” and instantly you knew that everything was going to be all right. He was the glue that held everything together and will be deeply missed by all.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Beverly (Haley) of Sandy River; his children Richard L. Hill, Jr., of Pennsylvania; Dee Thompson and husband Ben of Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Susan Hill of Topsham, and Joanne Hudock of Ohio; a sister, Ruth Ann Heffner of Pennsylvania; grandchildren: Kevin and Mary Thompson and Stacey and Jamie Hudock; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by a brother, Thomas E. Hill Jr., and a daughter, Mary Ellen.
Condolences, photos, and tributes as well as a memorial video may be shared on his memorial wall at www.wilesr.com.
Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Upper Chapel), 2614 Main Street, Rangeley, on Friday, Oct. 31, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2014 at 11 a. m. from the Church of the Good Shepherd, 2614 Main Street, Rangeley. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Following the interment, the family will receive relatives and friends in the undercroft of the Church where a reception will be held hosted by the ECW.
The family asks that those who desire, make memorial contributions in Richard’s memory to the Church of the Good Shepherd, PO Box 156, Rangeley, ME 04970. Funeral services are being cared for and provided by the Wiles Remembrance Center, 137 Farmington Falls Road, Farmington.
