Richard Oscar Hill Jr.

Richard Oscar Hill Jr. passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on September 5. He lived a fulfilling life and never complained when he was overcome by the complications of Parkinson’s Disease. He was grateful for the support of family on his journey. Richard (or Dick as he was known to friends) was born on August 16, 1940 to Richard Oscar and Wilma (Ball) Hill in Teaneck, New Jersey. He had a life-long passion for learning and for supporting students in their own learning processes, and that was reflected throughout his career. After graduating from Trinity College with a BS in Mathematics, he taught mathematics in a high school and then went on to earn his MS and PhD from Northwestern University. In 1967, he was hired as a mathematics professor at Michigan State University where he worked forty five years. During this time, he published several papers on mathematics and mathematics education; he wrote a textbook for undergraduate students on linear algebra, and he co-authored a series of three textbooks on Algebra and Trigonometry. But his real love was teaching mathematics, and he found a true calling in finding new and effective ways to support students in learning mathematics. For example, he developed and ran an “Emerging Scholars’ Program” at Michigan State designed to increase participation and performance of students traditionally underrepresented in mathematics. In 1992, he was awarded the “J. S. Frame Mathematics Teaching Award for Excellence in Instruction” by the Mathematics Department at Michigan State University. In 1997, he was presented with the “Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics” by the Michigan Section of the American Mathematical Association, cited “for his many years of outstanding work in the classroom, as a textbook author, and for his work in the Emerging Scholars Program, designed to increase the presence of underrepresented minorities in science, engineering, and mathematics.” In the early 2000s he sought to further pass on this passion to next-generation mathematics teachers by co-developing and co-running a “capstone course” for advanced mathematics students studying to become high-school mathematics teachers.

Dick’s personal life was filled with the joy of varied personal interests, loved family members, and friends. He considered becoming an Eagle Scout one of his most valued accomplishments and continued his love of scouts through volunteer work to scouting organizations and conversations with his grandkids about their own scout adventures. He helped initiate a love of soccer in the area by coaching a youth soccer team. He had a love for gardening and wildlife which he expressed by growing ample vegetable gardens and fruit with and for his family and by building and maintaining a fish pond for many years in the backyard. He had a love for nature in which he enjoyed walks and hikes with friends and family. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing where he engaged in several volunteer activities, but will be cherished most for the way he welcomed newcomers.

Dick is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years (Alice); children: Kimberly (Dean Malvick), Koralie (Sam Sambrone), Brendan (Miriam), grandchildren; (Ryan, Ash, Ella, Moge, Elias, and Gia) and several nephews and nieces.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing on Sat. Oct. 26 at 11 am. Contributions may be made in Richard’s honor to the UU Church, the Salvation Army, or Mom’s Demand Action.