David Denham Hill, 87, of Debary, Florida formerly of Eaton, Colorado.
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Dave Hill announces his passing on October 3, 2012, in Debary, Florida. He was born February 28, 1925, in Eaton, Colo. to Everett Donald and Anna Jean (Denham) Hill. Dave went to Eaton schools and participated in football, basketball, and track, and played the trumpet in the Eaton High School marching band. In his senior year, he was inducted into the National Honor Society. He was also voted "best personality" by his classmates, and this quality endured throughout his life.
In 1944 he joined the Navy, but Tennessee was too far to be away from his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Bonnie Lou Zike, so she took the train with her mother and future mother-in-law to Millington, Tennessee, and they were married in October of the same year. Upon finishing the Navy, he entered Colorado State University ("Aggies") in Fort Collins, Colorado, and he graduated in 1950 with his first two children attending the ceremonies.
His first job was as County Extension Agent for Weld County. He was then hired by Greeley National Bank in their farm loan department and with his passion for people he was spotted for a position as Vice President and General Manager of the new Mountain Savings and Loan Association in Greeley. More hard work led to an invitation to join the first state-chartered Savings and Loan in Wyoming, Capitol Savings and Loan Assn. in Cheyenne, Wyo. where he moved in 1960 with his wife Bonnie, and now a family of five children. During his tenure on the Federal Home Loan Board, he and Bonnie made several convention trips to Hawaii, and they fell in love with the islands. Soon he was appointed to Territorial Savings and Loan Assn. in Honolulu, and they moved to Hawaii with three children still at home. Dave and Bonnie lived in Hawaii for over 20 years, and Dave worked in the lending business through his 83rd year.
His wife Bonnie passed away in 1993 and Dave married June Fullaway, who shared his passions for travel and dancing. June and Dave were well-known on the islands for their ability to dance to any type of music, and won many contests. In his lifetime, Dave visited Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Spain, Thailand, India, Nepal, Scotland, England, and Ireland. He also traveled several times to France and Switzerland to visit his daughter, Kathi.
Dave was active in the 4-H organization, the National Western Stock Show, the Greeley Lions Club, the FFA, the Chamber of Commerce, the Cheyenne Country Club and the Elk Club in Honolulu.
Although no one ever quite figured out how he had time, Dave was an amazing handy-man, building everything from furniture to adding beautiful additions to houses. He and Bonnie bought many fixer-uppers in their time together, and turned them into breathtaking houses. They entirely designed their new home in Cheyenne, and Dave did all of the interior work.
He spent hours picking out each greeting card to his family members, to be sure that the wording was precisely what he wanted to say, and often sent along a little book that fit the occasion perfectly. No matter how busy he was, and no matter how far away, he always had time for his family. He was a joy to be with and never complained, although Parkinson's was slowly taking its toll. His children, grand-children and great-grandchildren were the lights of his life, and he cherished their visits. In later life, he loved to sit and look at old photo albums and listen to family members read old letters. Not a day will ever go by when he does not cross the mind of one of his family members.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Bonnie, his wife June, and his precious son Glen.
He is survived by his daughter Kathi Hill of Eaton, Colo.; his son Richard (Kaycee) Hill of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his daughter Joan (Walter) Omansiek of Deltona, Florida; his son Andy (Mary) Hill of Georgetown, Mass.; his grandchildren Justin (Krystal)of Eaton, Colo.; Damien (Sophie) of Pontarlier, France; Tim (Penny)of Wellington, Colo.; Karen (David) Pratt of Parker, Colo.; Corey (Sarah) of Andrews AFB, Md.; Brian (Amy) of Deland, Fl.; Brandon (Leah)of Rowley, Mass.; Brittany of Boston, Mass.; David of Rowley, Mass; and great-grandchildren Morgan, Taylor, Randi, Skylah, Alainah, Bonnie, Corey, Shiloh, Isabelle, and Jameson.
Burial services will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. at the Eaton Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to attend. A celebration of Dave's life will take place at 10:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of Eaton, 325 2nd Street, Eaton, Colo. with Pastor Dave McNeff presiding. A reception will follow at the church.
He asked that any generous contributions from family or friends be donated to the Eaton High School Marching Band, in care of Moser Funeral and Cremation Service, 3501 South 11th Avenue, Evans, Colorado, 80620.