Today is harder than any other I've had. Just small tasks to do today, but I can't stop missing Papa. I just wish for him near me. I long for his advice, or comment, or story. I long to listen to him talk, or even tell me what to do, even in a bossy way, I don't care. I wish for him to say "I miss you" like he used to when I'd call home from New Zealand. "I miss you too Papa." I honestly don't know how people go through this without believing in heaven or God. This is the only thing that brings me solace, that Papa is in a new place that has no more suffering. Death...oh death, you are painful and strip me of control over my emotions. Not so for the one who has passed. He went peacefully. But for me, the one who sits and misses, and longs.

Lu and Mr Lesaro
A moment of closeness.  We love you Pa Hill

PAPA'S MEMORIAL SERVICE

Jack Sherman Hill, born Nov. 25 1939, went to be with His father, God in heaven, October 15th, 2008 after a courageous two year battle against the dragon, pancreatic cancer.

Jack passed away peacefully at home and is survived by his wife of 24 years Paulette Hill, nine children; Kim Kidder (Deer Park, WA), Robin Meyers (Freeland, WA), David Hill (Spokane, WA), Deeann Bennett (Spokane, WA), Kimberley Tucksen (Yelm, WA), Karin Gilmore (Spokane, WA), Meagan Campbell (Bellingham, WA), Jennifer Bateman (Wellington, New Zealand), and Jessica Ober (Seattle,WA), adopted children; Mark Magney (Spokane WA) and Joy Meek (Spokane, WA), twelve grandchildren, two great-grand children, and several much loved nieces and nephews. He also has three sisters, the late Mary Phillips (Las Vegas), Lauretta Phillips (North Carolina), and Trudy Potter (Spokane, WA).

Jack faithfully served his country for twenty years, gaining the rank of CWO-2 in the U.S. Navy. His service included three tours in Vietnam, where he received a medal of honor for his bravery in rescuing two men, caught in combat. He also served the U.S. in the Navy's Bikini Island atom bomb testing in the 1950’s.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle, WA, especially Dr. Vincent Picozzi, MD in oncology, and the staff in ICU at Whidbey General Hospital. Additionally they would like to thank Vic Hansen and Hansen’s Lumber employees for their prayers and support during Jack’s inability to work due to his illness. Jack played an active role in his community and his church, Whidbey Evangelical Free Church in Greenbank.
The family asks that any monetary gifts be made to Life Services Crisis Pregnancy Center, in Spokane, WA. Condolences can be sent to Paulette Hill, PO Box 74 Freeland, WA 98249.

Jack will forever be remembered for his generous spirit, kind heart, selflessness, humility, protection of his family and country, and his compassion for all people. His spirit and legacy will continue to live on through the lives that he touched, and his beloved wife and children.

Memorial to be held on Sunday October 19th at 2:00 pm at Whidbey Evangelical Free Church in Greenbank. Further information to come regarding a second memorial service that will be held in Spokane WA in the following week.