John Grant Hill

John Grant Hill died Friday August 13th, 2021, at the age of 87, in the presence and care of his wife Barbara.

John led an extraordinary life. Born in Peking, China in 1933, John was introduced to the Asian Culture by his parents and developed a lifelong love of the cultures Art and Artifacts. John spent much of his childhood life in Singapore.

As a teenager he was sent to the States where he attended Harvard Military Academy in Los Angeles. During his time there he showed off his entrepreneurial capabilities by creating a small business that sold cigarettes and booze to his upper classmen. Unfortunately, The Headmaster was apprised of John’s trade and contacted his father. To John’s dismay his bootlegging days were over. It was one of the highlights of his educational moments that he had shared with his family. John then went on to Occidental College where he again took pleasure in extracurricular activity writing for the underground newspaper.

After College, John joined the Military and was stationed at Fort Bliss, El Paso, TX. John’s first Child Brent was born in 1957 while he was in the Service. After his stint in the Military John returned to Seattle where he became involved in the music industry. John played the Guitar, Piano and Harmonica however the best instrument was his voice. Going by the name of Grant Hill, John wrote lyrics and music and recorded records. John was part of the Pacific Northwest Band scene in the late 1950’s, hitting the Northwest charts with back-up singers the Shalimar’s. John’s Second Child Cheryl was born in 1960 shortly after his music venture.

In 1967 John moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in Music. He stayed with Musicians from the Buffalo Springfield and hung out at the Rainbow, Whisky a go-go and the Troubadour. He Lived the Rock and Roll Life for a while, but it was not paying the bills. John then decided to become a professional Gambler. He spent much of the late 60’s and early 70’s between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, gaming in Vegas and Social Working in LA.

John decided to move to Spain in 1972. John and his Son Brent Trekked off for many an adventure while they were there. He was later joined by his girlfriend (later wife) for travels throughout Europe. Returning from Europe he remarried, and his third Child Rachel was born. During this time, he was a writer and editor for Gambling Times and Continued working for the Los Angeles County Probation Department in many capacities.

John met his current widow in Calabasas in the late 1990’s. They eventually married and travelled until he was ready to sit on his back patios at one of his many homes.

He was a Writer, a musician, a traveler, a philosopher and probably the smartest man I have ever known.

John was preceded in death by his Father Ray, Mother Ruth and Granddaughter Crystal.

John is survived by his widow Barbara Shear-Hill, Son Brent Hill, Daughters Cheryl Boulanger (Mike) and Rachel Hill, Grandchildren Paul (Tosh), Jasmine (Paul), Eric (Stephanie), Bradley, Geoffrey, Desiree (Justin), Hannah and Haleigh. Great-Grandchildren Paula, Emily, Ally, Paul Jr., Mia, Austin, Thomas, Justin, Carter, Theo and 1 Great-Great-Grandchild.