Shawn was a gentle man, a lover of nature, an avid hiker/camper, and a dedicated fly-fisherman of the Gila and the San Juan Rivers. He had a great appreciation of Southwestern pottery, especially Mimbres, and took a special interest in Native American history. An earnest man, he was a good conversationalist with a great appetite for knowledge. He never tired of visiting art museums and loved reading, writing, and the spoken word. He had a great sense of humor, which was often “dark” and shared with enthusiasm. Shawn was also a lover of fine things—good wine, good food, and good music listened to “loud and late.” He had a family who loved him very much and was fortunate to have a strong group of life-long friends.
Born on the 15th of June, 1950, to Geraldine and Harold Hill, his early years were spent living in New Jersey and on military bases in Japan, Massachusetts, California and Texas. His family settled in El Paso when his father retired. He attended St. Joseph’s Elementary and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1968. He earned a BA in English from the University of Notre Dame in 1972. Shawn returned to El Paso to care for his ailing mother and studied education at UTEP. He taught in El Paso elementary schools for over 31 years and retired in 2014.
Shawn is survived by his wife, Vicki Trego Hill, and his children Rose Hill, Mona Pennypacker and Morgwn Pennypacker (Janette); his brother Gerald Hill (Ruth); and, granddaughter Kacy Pennypacker (Sparsh Dayani). He is also survived by his nieces Poppy Davis and Katie Nelson (children: Caitlin and Ian).
Shawn was preceded in death by his father Harold Hill, and his mother Geraldine Sullivan Hill, his aunt Mary Sullivan Day, his cousin Jack Higgins, and his nephew Jubal Hill.
A simple memorial celebrating Shawn Hill’s life will be held on Saturday, December 8, 2018. All friends and family are welcome.
The family ask that a contribution be made to the Sierra Club National, 2101 Webster St., Ste. 1300, Oakland CA, 94612, in lieu of flowers.
