Philip Hill, resident of Ephrata, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2005, at age 67. Beloved husband of Frances (Burroughs); loving father to Kristen McQuillin of Tokyo, Japan, and Jennifer Hill-Kaucher of Edwardsville; grandfather of Helen; and brother of Richard Hill of Indianapolis.
Phil created glass art that hangs at the Ephrata Public Library, Anam Cara in Ireland, and private homes around the country. His art won the WITF Gallery Judge’s Citation Award in 2003. A gallery of Philip’s work is online at grandfatherphilip.com. He volunteered with EPAC as a prop builder and appeared on stage in numerous productions throughout his lifetime.
Born to Helen and Elvis Hill in 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, Phil raced stock cars before he had a driver’s license and joined the Navy at an early age. He served as a nuclear engineer aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). After leaving the Navy, he worked as an engineer and later in research and development in the textile and adhesives industries where several of his processes were patented. He enjoyed an early retirement from ParaChem, Inc.
Water played an important role in his life, as he wrote on his website, “At an early stage in my life I became fascinated with water. We lived by Lake St. Claire outside of Detroit, Michigan, and I loved to go look at the lake and boats. When visiting relatives in Chicago, Illinois, going to Lake Michigan, the Chicago Yacht Club and the Chicago Fountain was a must!” Much of his glass art incorporated the colors and textures of watery surfaces and he drew inspiration from ancient legend and literature.
Private interment. Friends received at Eicher Arts Center from 5 – 8 pm on April 1st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer International, 1202 Main Street, P.O. Box 727, Little Rock, AR 72203. (888) 422-1161 foundation@heifer.org orheiferfoundation.org
Kristen,
Dani and I send our deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathies to you and your family for the loss of your Father. He sounds to be a very well loved man who will be missed by many.
Thanks for that honey. I know it must have been hard to write. Thinking about you.
Posted by: MJ on March 23, 2005 10:22 AMThis is the obituary that will appear in the local papers tomorrow. Jenn & I wrote it together.
Posted by: Kristen on March 23, 2005 12:04 PMWith sympathy
Posted by: on March 23, 2005 12:28 PMKristen,
I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking about you.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Your dad sounds like a great guy. I’m glad you were able to be there with him.
Posted by: M Sinclair Stevens on March 23, 2005 01:10 PMI’m glad you made it there. Best wishes for your family.
Posted by: mike on March 23, 2005 01:46 PMI’m very sorry for your loss, I wish I would have had a chance to meet your dad. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Posted by: UltraBob on March 23, 2005 01:46 PMKristen, I am so sorry. Your dad really did sound great. I hope you find a strong support in your family.
Posted by: Jennifer on March 23, 2005 02:19 PMKristen honey, a beautifully written post - probably one of the hardest tasks you have set your writing talents to date. My thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of each other. Tracey
Posted by: T on March 23, 2005 02:20 PMKristen, thank you for telling us about your dad’s life. More big hugs from both of us.
Posted by: Jonathan and Sachiko on March 23, 2005 05:30 PMKristen, I send my deepest condolences. I am very sorry. Your father will live on in affectionate memories and thoughts of many, including myself and everyone else on this board.
Posted by: Kimura on March 23, 2005 09:29 PMKristen,
Please accept my deepest condolences - you’ve done so much for me, please let me know if there’s anything I can do for you.
kristen, my deepest sympathies are with you and your family. hugs from new york have been telepathically sent your way. have a safe journey home when all is said and done.
Posted by: gleek on March 24, 2005 02:00 AMKristen, my deepest sympathies to you, Jenn and your
Mom. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts
and my prayers.
I’m so sorry. You are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Anja on March 24, 2005 04:40 AMi am so sorry for your loss. the tribute that you and your sister wrote is beautiful.
Posted by: jenny on March 24, 2005 07:18 AMMy sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to you and your family. I wish you all the strength you need during this period. And a safe voyage home. Best wishes…
Posted by: Eva on March 24, 2005 07:21 AMKristen,
Just spent the last hour on your dad’s website.
What wonderful talent. You and your family
are in my thoughts and prayers. I’ll be looking
out for your mom here on the homefront.
Love,
Phyllis
Kristen,
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Phil passing, You and your family are in my prays. I just wish I could have come to Pa. with mom and dad. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, Aunt Fran or Jenni.
Love to All,
Your Cousin,
Chris
Posted by: Christopher Hill on March 24, 2005 08:58 AMBeautiful obituary by loving daughters. Phil had a great life and he will live on in your memories and through his art. How wonderful that he discovered and created it for posterity!
Posted by: Jean on March 24, 2005 11:26 AMKristen,
Ive seen your Dad’s glasswork too, he made beautiful art, and it was obvious he loved it. Im sorry he’s gone.
Love and big hugs from the j-ster
Posted by: j-ster on March 24, 2005 10:23 PMDear Kristen,
My thoughts are with you and your family. There is no doubt that he had lived a very good life, surrounded by everyone he loved. Many love.
Posted by: lisa on March 25, 2005 08:21 AMSympathies and condolences. It does sound as though he had a wonderful and full life. It’s everyone’s loss that he is gone.
Posted by: Seth on March 25, 2005 08:32 AMI’m so sorry about your sudden sympathy.
I was so surprised when I heard about your father.
At the same age of your father, my father died suddenly
by heart attack when I was 32.
big hugs!
Kristen, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve just spent some time on your dad’s website. His glass artwork is brilliant and inspiring.
Sending a cyberhug to you.
Posted by: Lenora on March 28, 2005 07:05 PMYou don’t know me…I’ve been lurking on your blog. I enjoy reading about your life in Japan.
I am sorry to hear about your loss. My heart went out to you with every post about him. What an amazing man.
Warm aloha from Hawaii.
Posted by: Robin Scanlon on April 1, 2005 03:23 AM