Richard William Hill

Richard William Hill, 98, passed away peacefully in his sleep on October 1, 2016. Born in Morenci, Michigan, to Army Capt. Pearl “Pat” Delbert Hill and Elizabeth Sophie Hill, he settled in Aurora, Oregon, after his father’s death while stationed in New York. A short time later his mother passed away and Richard and his two younger brothers, Delbert and Lewis, were raised by members of their mother’s family. Delbert passed away at the age of 16 following an automobile accident. Lewis joined the Navy and lost his life during the last battle of the Philippines in 1945. Richard joined the National Guard in September 1940 and at the beginning of WWII transferred to the Army where he served in the Asiatic-Pacific as an Antitank Gunner. He was discharged in August 1945.

After his discharge, Richard worked for the US Postal Service in Portland, and married Izetta Ehlen. They had one daughter, Louine Travis. After divorcing, Richard married Eleanore Stainbrook in June 1950. After moving to Canby he worked at a saw mill until he was hired by Clackamas County as a ferry operator and retired in 1981 after 20 years. During his time on the ferry, Richard greeted thousands of people with a smile and small talk as they crossed the Willamette between Canby and Wilsonville. His daughter, step-children, and grandchildren, rode back and forth across the river many times, chatting and getting advice as the waves gently lapped against the ferry’s haul.

Richard and Eleanore were very active in the American Legion Post and Auxiliary Unit No. 110 in Aurora, where he served in various positions, including Commander and Treasurer. Many wonderful meals prepared by Eleanore and other Auxiliary members were served at various events as fund raisers to help veterans and their families. They were also active in the Maplewood Grange in Aurora, and attended Trinity Presbyterian Church in Newberg. After 37 wonderful years, Richard lost his beloved Eleanore.

In 1988, Richard married Clara Beall in Canby. They enjoyed doing ceramics together and Clara enjoyed quilting, while Richard remained active in the American Legion until they moved to Hillsboro. They relocated to Dundee then moved to Milwaukie with Clara’s daughter due to health reasons. When Richard and Clara were no longer able to be cared for at home, Richard moved to a foster home near his daughter where he lived for 3 years, and Clara moved to The Springs in Sherwood, until her death in August 2015.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Louine Travis; grandsons and wives, Jason and Carrol Travis, and Bryan and Alicia Travis, and great grandchildren Hayley, Samuel, Michael, Brayden, and Abbigayle; stepchildren, Marvin and Pat Stainbrook and granddaughter, Staci; Helen and Dean Basinger, and grandchildren, Kim Lamb, Ira and Kristi Basinger, and 6 great grandchildren and one great great granddaught; stepchildren, Duane Beall, Glenn (previously deceased) and Linda Beall, Diana and Dave Gray (both previously deceased), Rochelle and Mike Gadbois, Coleen Beall, Dale Beall, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Following the service with military honors, family and friends are invited to celebrate Richard’s life, share special memories, and enjoy a light lunch with his favorite dessert at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 SW Canterbury Lane, Tigard, OR 97224.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Providence Hospice or Veterans of Foreign Wars.