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Robert Hile Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Hile
Judy Jones (Daniels)
November 3, 2008
Russ was in my parents life before I was born, and he was there at my birth, I am Judy Daniels, and I am writing this for my parents, Bruce and Phyllis Daniels, of Delton, Mi. "Daniels Wrecker Service".
Russ and my parents were best friends all their years together. They were deeply grieved when they were told of his passing. They wanted to let the family know that Russ was a special guy in their life and wanted to remember him as they once new him and the memories they shared with him. They wanted to remember the relationship through 50+ years of their life together, and not at the end of his life.
They cherished him and the family as their own for many years.
Here is some of their fondest memories of the "Hile" family. Bruce worked at the bakery, Russ's father owned, along with Russ and his father when He and my mother were first married back in 1952. Bruce loved to make the donuts and then worked in the garage on cars with Russ. Russ liked the pretty cars and he had many of his own over the years. His mother would make all the upholstery in the vehicles for Russ. Russ always was working on his friends cars before he first got into the business, and then he stared to work on other peoples vehicles and then the business started up and took off. They shared everything together, even the dune buggy's they each had and made them self's from old junk vehicles. Russ's was called the "Varmit" and theirs was called "Grandma's Bucket of Bolts" later. "Rodgie"-(Pat) and Phyllis went to all the parades around Michigan with the dune buggy's and won many 1st prizes trophy's and cash awards and ribbons for the best in show. Bruce and Russ would hang out at Bruce's garage or Russ's garage while the ladies and the kids went to parades. They traveled every place they could with the dune buggies, as far as the U.P. they would bring tents and stay at the state campgrounds. they drove them to go out to eat, to the fairs. They would go to the beach in Benton Harbor and sleep on the beach all night. Every place they went with those dune buggies would draw the attention of many people to where they could not even get in the buggies because of all the people standing around them to see everything in them and how they were made up. The dune buggies amazed everyone. They drove them in the rain, as they had no side windows, only a front wind shield, and sometimes got caught off guard in late fall on trips and the nights happen to get cold, you just covered up in blankets, but they still made the best of things and never let it bother them and just had good old fashion fun. They went to the Soo Locks and the Mac Bridge in them. They would go to Russ's trailer in Saugatuck, he had a Chris Craft boat they would ride on the river, and Russ lost his wallet in the river with a lot of money in it. Russ looked every place in the river for it but he never did find it. It sank to the bottom. They went to Daisy Mae's in Gun Lake to go dancing and hang out. They went to the Skyline Restaurant and Bruce and Russ would eat those huge Prime Rib Steaks, 2 lbs and about 3" thick each and finish them off. They went to Marshall to Schuller's Restaurant and again have the Prime Rib, Russ loved his Steaks. They went to the Spa Tavern there in BC.
Russ would hold huge Halloween party's for all his friends and who ever showed up, as the word of mouth got around to many people.
Russ lived life! He never let life live him. He was always having fun in all he did.
Russ and Bruce were always together like brothers, did everything alike, even their business's were the same.
The family of Russ's, the boys, (Dean, Rocky, and Scott) and Bruce & Phyllis kids (Jerry, Judy, Daryl, Dean) were always together when they were very young. They would play around the Mansion, (Russ's house, he called it).
Russ meant the world to Bruce and Phyllis and it was extremely hard for them to hear of his passing. They were family, friends and brothers and they both lived by the moment. Russ will be sadly missed, but always remembered every time they look at their own dune buggy they still have. If anyone would like photos or just need to talk about the memories, which are more then can be written here, we have a life time of them about Russ. Please notify me. Our prayers are for you to know that Russ was well loved by all who new him, like we all did.
May God give you all comfort through this difficult time.
Thank you Russ, for being part of my life.
Judy (Daniels), Jones.
Written for Bruce and Phyllis Daniels
Cathy Smith-Tyler
October 22, 2008
I first met Russ when Rocky took me home to meet his parents, we were 14 years old.....back then, Russ seemed larger than life itself....that was a lasting impression...not only for me, but with many others that met him. As with his son, Rock, he always had many irons in the fire....and going full blast all the time. Now, that both of them have passed on to the next great adventure...may both of them find the peace that they lacked in this life....Great knowing you.....see you in the next go round.....love and peace to all. Cathy
Judi Davis
October 21, 2008
I met Russ about 7 yrs ago. He and Sue and their youngest son took a road trip to FL. Russ also had another prized possession with him.....his dog, which was no bigger than my hand. There are two things that stand out in my mind. The way he guarded that dog, as if it was more important than all the tea in China and... his smile. When Russ spoke about his family, his smile lit the room.
Scott..... I know you and your family have aching hearts at this time. Please remember the good times and thank you.... for allowing me the opportunity to meet to your dad.
scott hile
October 20, 2008
It is very comforting to have a sight like this for all to see and add their thoughts as well. Thanks to all of you who cared for my dad. God bless
Carol Schmidt
October 18, 2008
Russ was my cousin and although we lost touch over the miles and years, I remember him with great fondness.
He was a very special favorite of my mother's, Gene Hile McKinney, who passed away in 1995. When those two got together there would always be wonderful family stories and side-spliting laughter.
My sympathy goes out to Russ's family. I know he was much loved and will be greatly missed.
Carolgene
Dean Hile
October 18, 2008
Russ was my father. He loved life and certainly lived it with great vitality...more than most of us will ever experience. During his life I saw many sides of my father...that of a very stern determined man and that of a gentle man. The latter being that of the past few years. For those of you who may not have had the opportunity to visit with him recently he really changed and became one who valued the simple things...friendships and experiences, not hung up with those material possessions that clutter so many of our lives and can ultimately become anchors in life. Isn't it something how it always seems to go full circle...as kids the simple things fill our every moment much the same as when we reach our end. He will always be loved.
Dean, Jane, Chad and Todd
Gene Conley
October 18, 2008
I knew Russ from the 1960s and 1970s when he was in the wrecker business and I was stationed at BC with the State Police. I have thought of Russ often over the years. Even tho I have not seen him 8in years I will still miss him, knowing that he is gone.
Arnie
October 14, 2008
I met Russ (vern & mildred too) about 1955, he was a great Baker as well as a mechanic and fabricator. We had alot of good times, he will be missed.
Robert, Brenda, Erica,and Daisy Danke and Hoag
October 14, 2008
My family has known Russ since before I was born. He was always a loving friend to my family. He gave me many words of wisdom and was like a Father to me. There were always good times. He and His family will always be in our thoughts. Our hearts have broken at the loss of Russ.
Lt. Donald Wright, CCSO, retired
October 14, 2008
I can recall several accidents on I-94 in the middle of the winter and Russ would be there, shirt unbuttoned, in his style. He'd have the car hooked up and be on his way quickly. RIP Russ!!
Christine (rogers) Wiliams
October 14, 2008
Russ was married to my mom for 8+yrs, he was a wonderful step-dad, he was caring and fun he loved his varmit and drove it in parades, he never told us no even after he and my mom divrosed, he gave my a job taught me how to work the wreckers and taught me how to work on my own cars. I loved him like a dad and my prayers go out to the family, he will be missed, love you dad.
Dennis, Diane, Robert Russell
October 14, 2008
Russ was one of the nicest people I had ever met. My husband Dennis worked for him years ago. Russ was more like family than a friend. He will be sadly and greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We'll miss you Russ
Dennis, Diane and Robert
michael stanton
October 14, 2008
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
karen gauche
October 14, 2008
I met Russ several times when he came to visit his friend Dick Wilder at the P.N.A. club. He was the nicest guy. Dicky thought the world of him. We are sad to hear of his passing. He was a great man.
Mike Belt
October 14, 2008
My sympathys to the family. Russ as he was known as, was bigger than life and will be greatly missed. Whatta guy.
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