Wayne Melvin Hill “Our gentle giant” left us on May 24, 2021 just days before his 48th birthday of a sudden cardiac arrest. Wayne was born May 28, 1973 the 5th child and only boy born to Melvin & Anne Hill. Weighing in at 12 lb 9 oz (24”) and continuing on to an impressive 6’7”, he was lovingly referred to as “Tiny” through his high school years, and “Big Wayne” for most of his adult life. Wayne graduated from Olympus High School, where he reportedly made everyone feel included and happy, which he continued throughout his life. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Guayaquil Ecuador, where he worked hard, played hard and made some incredible friends. His “boys” still travel from far and wide to get together for their annual weekend at Bear Lake. He has always loved to cook and dreamed of becoming a chef. He attended the Art Institute of Salt Lake and graduated with his bachelor’s degree Culinary Management and earned the title of executive chef. He has owned his own catering business and was ready to launch his food truck in June. His amazing culinary skills have been put to use for the past several years as “Chef Wayne” at a youth camp for the Utah Hemophilia Foundation. He loved that week of his summer, those kids, and the many volunteers that worked in the kitchen with him.
If you knew Wayne, you were a lifetime friend. He loved people and he loved serving people. If a good time was being had, you can guarantee he was in the middle of it. When his great nephew would call, he would sometimes ask to talk to “WaynO”, and sometimes “Batman”. From his perfect imitation of Chewbacca or Scooby Doo to his Cookie Monster singing, he could entertain (or drive you crazy) for hours. In the outpouring of love since his sudden departure many friends and neighbors have captured Wayne perfectly: “The hole you leave in this world is huge and it has nothing to do with your physical size, it’s about the size of your heart. You are the ultimate peacemaker and comforter. You are someone I could always count on feeling loved by, feeling better about life as if everything was exactly as it should be and no matter what problems were going on around us, laughter heals the soul, breaks down walls and makes this world, and the business of it, so much more beautiful.” “He knew how to love his neighbor. And everyone was his neighbor”. “Wayne was an amazing man with an amazing heart”. “A giant of a man with a heart to match”. “There was not a better soul on this planet”. “Wayne truly had a kind and gentle heart, was fun loving, and a strength.” “Wayne made everyone feel like they were his best friend.” “Wayne was one of a kind. He always made me feel like a million bucks. His influence was so far reaching.” “It’s hard to imagine a world without Wayne in it”. “Wayne was the life of the party! He was kind, loving and seeing him always made me happy.” “Chef Wayne was an institution at Camp Valor, always endeavoring to make camp a great success year after year. Camp will not be the same without his warm smile and endearing effect.” “His warm smile and belly laugh always brought me such joy at camp”. “He made the kitchen a place of smiles and laughter”. “Thank you, Chef Wayne for always loving us individually, and being everyone’s best friend”.
Wayne is survived by his mother Anne Hill, sisters: Sandra Dorius, Cindy, Debbie and Jana Hill. Niece and nephews: Kirsten, CJ, Geoff, Austin (Alisha), Sam Dorius, his best bud and great nephew Thad Morgan. And his love and adventure buddy LuAnne Monson and her son Jake. Preceded in death by his Father, Melvin Hill, brother-in-law Todd Dorius and niece Elizabeth.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 1st from 6-8 pm, and Wednesday, June 2nd from 10:30-11:30 am at the Holladay 1st ward building (2065 E 4675 So, Holladay Utah). Funeral services will be June 2nd at 12:00 pm with interment at Redwood Memorial Estates.
In order to keep our aged and ailing mother safe, please properly wear a mask if you plan to attend these events in person. Funeral services will be available on Zoom.
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