Gary Jay Hill

Gary J Hill was born on May 28, 1960, to Joseph Hill and Donna Emra. A proud veteran, Gary served in the United States Navy from 1978 to 1989, stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. It was there he met the love of his life, Michele Sweeney. The two were married on August 9, 1979, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and resilience. They were blessed with three children: Chivaun Marie, Laurie Ann, and Charles (Charlie) Edward.

Gary was a natural tinkerer with a gift for fixing things. He passed that resourcefulness to his children, teaching them how to “MacGyver” their way through life's challenges. He taught Chivaun how to throw and hit a baseball, and he shared a deep passion for music with his family. A radio was always playing somewhere in the house, but his favorite music of all was hearing his daughter, Laurie break out in song just like in a musical. With Charlie, he shared a love of engines and vehicles — a bond forged under the hood and across many miles.

Gary believed in the value of hard work and the importance of doing a job right. Providing for and supporting his family was always his top priority. On August 17, 1993, Gary and Michele took their family to the Seattle Temple, where they were sealed for time and all eternity — a moment of deep faith and devotion that reflected the love they had for each other and their family.

Known by many names —Son, Husband, Harold, Dad, Father, Fa, Brother, Son-in-law, Uncle and Father-in-law — the titles closest to his heart were Papa and Poppy. He cherished every moment spent with his three grandchildren: Breona Morgan, Torralee J., and Marek Joseph. He also loved his daughter and son-in-law- Lillian Hill and Julian Penaloza. His joy extended to his “grand-pups” as well, and he loved his family with unwavering devotion.

Gary’s life was marked by service, and it was in the spirit of that same selflessness that he lost his life on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025, while acting as a Good Samaritan to help those in need.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Michele, his parents Joseph and Donna, his son-in-law Julian Penaloza and several sisters-in-law nephew and nieces. He leaves behind his brother Ed, his sister Naomi, his children, grandchildren, extended family, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will deeply miss him.

Gary Hill lived with heart, laughter, and patriotism — and it is comforting to know that his legacy of love and service lives on in the lives of those he touched.