Robert Norris Hill

Robert Norris Hill, born November 27, 1932, in Wisconsin, lived a life rich with adventure, family, friendship, and joy. He grew up in Wisconsin and Minnesota before moving to Alaska at the age of 14, where he discovered a deep love for the outdoors. Robert married his high-school sweetheart, Lenaya Traxler, in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 1952, and together they raised three children—David, Nancy, and Janet. He embraced the Alaskan lifestyle fully, enjoying hunting, fishing, camping, and playing high school basketball. His recreation included bowling, curling, and ping pong during his Alaska years, and as life evolved and he later moved to California, he found joy in shuffleboard, horseshoes, and especially lawn bowling. One of his proudest accomplishments was representing the state of California as the senior champion in lawn bowling, a testament to both his skill and his competitive spirit.

After retiring at the early age of 48, Robert and Lenaya spent many years as snowbirds, enjoying time in Arizona before eventually settling in California. Once he made the decision to remain in the lower 48, he sold his home in Fairbanks and embraced a new chapter in life, quickly building a network of close friends. Robert had an easy warmth that made people feel welcome, and he was rarely without company. He was especially devoted to his favorite companion, his dog Lucky—they were always together, and Lucky was never far from his side. His family grew alongside him, and he was deeply proud of the generations that followed—seven grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. He was also loved by numerous nieces and nephews. Robert is survived by his sister, Lois Oines, and preceded in death by his wife Lenaya, daughter Nancy, and brothers Tom Hill and Jim Hill.

Robert’s sister Lois shared a tribute that beautifully captures the heart of who he was. She wrote, “I, and my family, will always remember Bob for his sense of humor, his affectionate way of teasing, and his warm personality. He was a wonderful big brother to me, from tagging along when he was checking his snare traps in Alaska to the many wonderful gatherings we had at his home in Sun City. We were the last of the Hill kids in this generation, and I will miss him every day.” Her words reflect the deep love, connection, and bond that defined Robert’s life—one centered on family, laughter, and the simple joy of being together.