Richard David Hill

Richard "Dick" David Hill, loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, mentor, and friend, passed away Tuesday morning December 18, 2018 in Clinton, Utah. Dick was born the only child of Hoyt Raymond Hill, III and Hazel Hess Hill in Bozeman, Montana on August 2, 1939. He was raised and educated in Bozeman, graduating as valedictorian from Gallatin County High School. He received his bachelors of science in mathematics from Montana State University (MSU). During his years in high school and college he worked at Lurcines Ice Cream. There he was able to earn money for his schooling and enjoy the benefit of limitless ice cream. While teaching high school mathematics in Garden Grove, CA he met Willetta Day at a United Methodist Church singles group. Soon after, they were married in Vancouver, WA on August 12, 1962. They were married for over 46 years. Dick earned his PhD in Mathematics from Oregon State University in 1967. Later that year he began his 46-year tenure as a professor at Idaho State University. He was an outstanding instructor beloved by his students and deeply appreciated by his colleagues. He was an outstanding researcher, publishing dozens upon dozens of peer-reviewed articles primarily with his doctoral students. His work was recognized in 1990 when he was named the ISU distinguished researcher. Dick loved sports. He began playing tennis at the age of 12, was a varsity tennis player at MSU, and won numerous tennis tournaments throughout his life with his doubles partner, Don Cresswell. As a young man he played basketball and baseball and throughout his adult life was a loyal Idaho State University Bengals football and basketball fan. The First United Methodist Church was extremely important in Dicks life. He sang in the chancel choir, played the trombone in the brass quartet, and held numerous leadership positions. He had a strong Methodist heritage - both his grandfather and great-grandfather were Methodist Ministers - and he was proud to be called a Methodist. Most importantly he was a loving father and grandfather. He read and sang to his children nightly as they were growing up. Because of the tremendous value he placed on higher education, he worked to ensure his children all obtained degrees. Both his children and grandchildren were his highest priority. He made it clear that they could not have been more loved. Dick is survived by his children Jennifer, Cindy (and husband Mike), Jeff and grandchildren Rachel, Rodney (and wife Taylor), Whitney, and Lindsay. Services will be Saturday December 22, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 200 N. 15 th Ave., Pocatello, ID with a viewing one hour prior to services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the "Richard D. Hill Mathematics Scholarship Endowment" through the Idaho State University Foundation, 921 S. 8 th Ave., Stop 8050, Pocatello, ID 83209. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences may be made online to the family at www.colonial-funeralhome.com

Visitation

12/22/2018 13:00

14:00:00

Oakwood Dr. Building

225 Oakwood Drive

Pocatello

Idaho

83204



Funeral Service

12/22/2018 14:00



First United Methodist Church

200 N. 15th Ave.

Pocatello

Idaho

83201