Linell Hill

"Anything is possible. He was a creative man, a perpetual inventor, who seemed to be able to find a solution for any difficulty confronting him. He had faith in his ability to find those solutions. Linell thoroughly enjoyed understanding how things worked. Linell was a person who believed that he could achieve whatever he set out to do.

His parents were Joseph and Queen Anne Hill. Linell was born in Birmingham, Alabama and shortly thereafter they moved to Portland to look for work at the shipyards

Linell was raised with five siblings. He had three Brothers, Donald Deloney, James Deloney, Gerald Deloney and two sisters Angela Dickens, and Janice Harrison. Linell enjoyed school, especially when the learning experience involved dissecting the unknown. Linell was adept at scrutinizing different possibilities and designing innovative solutions. He graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957.

On September 3, 1960 Linell exchanged wedding vows with Hazel C. Holdip. Linell was definitely in his element in his work place. He could easily create new and innovative systems, and incorporate those changes to bring a fresh approach to any work situation. Linell was a focused worker with a strong drive for achievement. His personal initiative inspired those around him. Linell was always good at getting a project started and then, at the appropriate time, handing it on to a colleague. He started as a basic longshoreman moved to crane operator, finally becoming a Walking Boss. He presided as union Vice president for local 8 and local 92. Linell always made an effort to be a team player, doing what needed was necessary in order to get the job done.

Linell was an Air Force Veteran since Linell was always searching for new and unusual activities; he developed many interests and leisure pursuits. Some of the things he became an "expert" in might come as a surprise to those who knew him, but most friends and family understood that Linell simply couldn't be limited to just a few activities or ideas.

Linell's talents were well suited for being actively involved in professional and community organizations, something he did throughout his life. He enjoyed being involved and was willing to jump in and help out in most any situation. Throughout his later years, Linell was an active member of the ILWU and the Portland Police Reserves.

Faith and religion were important to Linell. He was a member of Mt Olivet Baptist Church for many years. His favorite pursuits were golfing, bike riding, hunting, working on friend's cars and was a World Wide Traveler.

Linell passed away on March 5, 2012 at Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon. He was preceded in death by father, Joseph C. Hill in 1960 and son Robert L. Hill in 1996. He is survived by his children, Richard Hill, Cheryl Hill, Karen Hudson, and Sharon Hill, grandchildren, William Hill, Andreya Edwards, Victoria Branch, Robert Riley, Andrian Perryman and great-grandchild Sarai Hill.

During his lifetime, nothing appeared impossible to Linell. He met the words "it can't be done" with the enthusiastic challenge of a "wanna bet" attitude. Linell was able to recognize the possibilities a new idea held, even when those around him could not. For Linell, the traditional way of doing things fell short of his expectations, especially if there were original and untested methods for handling a challenge.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.