Norris Hill

Norris Blair Hill

Resident of San Jose for 52 years

Norris Blair Hill passed away on Friday, December 3, of complications from his long battle with ALS. He was 77 years old. He was born in Glendive, Montana on May 2, 1933, the son of Everett Milton Hill and his wife Kathryn. He is best described as a deeply committed Christian and educator who greatly loved his family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. Norris maintained his youth and vitality by doing what he truly loved: educating, talking, visiting, encouraging and supporting those around him, especially young people. Even while battling a difficult illness with tremendous courage and faith, Norris maintained a positive attitude and found ways to love and serve those around him. Norris is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Betty Hill; his three daughters, Robyn Hilton, Wendy Egelkamp, and Kimberly Horst; his sister Collette Herman; nine grandchildren: Amanda, Joshua, Adriane, Darin, Carissa, Erin, Christian, Erik, and Kaleb; and four great grandchildren.

Norris received a BA in English Literature and Secondary Education from Wheaton College and a Masters Degree in International Relations from the University of Denver. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree he served in the U.S. Army Corps in Germany for 3 years. Further graduate work from UC Berkeley and San Jose State resulted in credentials in both Counseling and Administration.

In 1958, Norris married Betty and began a 52-year career at San Jose Unified School District. He began as an English and Foreign Language teacher, serving ten years at the high school and community college levels. After five years as English Department Chair, he was selected as the Vice Principal of Curriculum and served as Vice Principal at three high schools (Willow Glen, Leland, and Gunderson) for eleven years. During this period, he worked in all areas including Guidance Principal at Steinbeck Middle School. Norris culminated his career with the district as a highly successful grant writer and served as Evaluator and then Manager of the Magnet Assistance Program until his final retirement in December of 2009. He also served as President of Magnet Schools of America.

Besides spending time with his beloved wife and three daughters and their families, his other loves included being an Elder and Sunday School teacher at Willow Glen Alliance Church, now called Bayside Community Church; playing the organ and piano for church and other celebrations; and enjoying his passion for gardening which included membership in the John Daly Dahlia Society and serving for a time as it's President. He had a faithful companion in his little dachshund, Gracie, who misses him terribly-as do all that knew and loved Norris.

The family invites family members and friends of Norris to a memorial service to be held at 2 p.m. on December 11th at Bayside Community Church, 1901 Cottle Ave., San Jose 95125.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to Bayside Community Church for the benefit of the AWANA children's program.