Michael Joseph Hill, Sr. passed away peacefully after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Mike was a unique, amazing individual; a true Renaissance man. Supremely intelligent, he possessed a creative and entrepreneurial spirit all his life. A Seattle native, Mike was born July 8, 1938 to Francis “Joe” and Justine (Schumacher) Hill. He grew up in the North Beach area and attended Seattle Preparatory School, Ballard High School, the University of Washington and Seattle University. He and his wife of 45 years, Donna, have been Snohomish County residents since 1974.
There was never a person that wasn’t captivated by Mike’s many adventures, though he was not one to brag or boast; his accomplishments spoke for themselves. At the age of 20, Mike wrote speeches for the Democratic Party while living in Hawaii. In 1980, he went in pursuit of gold and diamonds in Africa, narrowly escaping a military coup in Liberia. He had a successful career in advertising; some of his achievements include bringing the Olympia Beer account to Seattle, introducing to the American market such products as powdered alcoholic beverages and Gamakatsu fishing hooks, and creating and publishing Bass Club Digest magazine. Mike was an avid fisherman and hunter with many mounts to attest to his skill. Many of Mike’s friends were artists and writers, for he had a true appreciation for creativity and the arts.
Mike’s father, Joe, a pilot in WWII, was part of the well-known 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group. Unfortunately, Joe’s plane went down January 31, 1945 when Mike was six years old. In his later years, Mike dedicated much of his time to locating his father’s crash site and erecting a marble memorial bench in the Philippines in his father’s honor.
Mike is survived by his wife, Donna, and their four children, Mike Jr. (Kathy), Jim (Pam), Nicole (Mike) and Scott, as well as his adopted nephew, Brian (Leanne). Mike was very proud to be the grandfather of six grandchildren, Kristen (Max), Danielle, Abigail, Kiley, Max and Sean.
Mike was very special to many people and he will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Michael, and may the angels guide you in your flight.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the wonderful people at Providence Hospice for their support during Mike’s illness.
There will be a memorial gathering at the Everett Golf and Country Club on Tuesday, February 20th at 3pm for those who knew and loved Mike Hill.
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