Larry R. Hill

Larry R. Hill passed away at his home on October 11, 2016. He was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on March 25, 1947 to his parents Margaret and W.T. Hill. He is the youngest of four brothers. Though having a hard scrabble life, Larry grew up in a family of love with strong moral values. His favorite toy as a child was a balsa wood airplane he named Lemon Drop. Larry’s family moved often during his childhood which resulted in multiple school changes. A thoughtful and bright man, Larry regretted not having a strong early academic foundation to build on. The only blue-eyed cowboy in his first two years of school; his classes were often taught in Spanish. In High School, Larry participated in basketball and track and field. His long arms and big hands made him a natural for throwing the discus. Larry attended Linn-Benton Community College and Lane Community College with a focus on the arts. Larry enjoyed working with his hands and instead of writing a term paper for an Anthropology course, he built a replica of an Egyptian chair.

Larry had the heart and soul of an artisan and craftsman. He was perhaps happiest when his hands touched wood. In New Mexico in the 1970’s, Larry co-founded Hill’s Furniture and later the Taos Furniture Company. Larry designed, built, and popularized a Southwestern style of furniture that has come to be known as Taos Furniture. He turned the humble ponderosa pine into beautiful, functional works of art.

For much of his professional career, Larry worked as a draftsman to support his family. In 1980, he moved to Yakima. In Yakima, Larry worked for FMC, Agri-tech, Boise-Cascade, Yakima Steel Fabricators, and Inline Steel. He retired in 2003.

Though not formally aligned with any one religion, Larry was a deeply spiritual man. He believed in the power of love, the goodness of creation, and the brother/sisterhood of all peoples. He was gracious and charming, as well as deeply private and reserved. He referred to himself as a hermit. He had few close friends; but those he had, he cherished and maintained those connections in his heart over space and time. Though circumstances might change, when Larry loved someone, his love for them did not. Larry had a strong sense of and acceptance of himself. He would often remark, “I am who I am, I’m Popeye the Sailor Man.”

Larry married Katherine Page in October 1973; they were married over two decades and remained close friends. Larry and Katherine have one daughter together, Nandina Snow. Larry loved being a father and was immensely proud of his daughter, her accomplishments, and the strong woman that she has become. He enjoyed going camping with Nandina and introducing her to the Cascades. In June 2002, Larry married Siggi Stoddard. Siggi provided the grounding and stability that a dreamer like Larry needed. Siggi died in 2014, and Larry deeply mourned her passing.

In later life, Larry enjoyed his dogs and gardening; he was especially fond of his roses. Larry had a deep interest in his Native American heritage and was proud to be a descendent of Cynthia Ann Parker and Quanah Parker.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Nandina; brothers, Whalen Sr., Bob, and Jim Hill; along with nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and W.T. Hill, beloved wife, Siggi; best friend and nephew, Whalen Jr; nephew, Tommy; and niece, Susan.