Wesley Donald Hill passed away on Wednesday, June 21 at the age of 84, of cancer. Wesley, best-known as Don, was a lifelong resident of Eureka and third generation Humboldt County resident born to Ida and Wesley Hill on June 6, 1928, at St. Joseph Hospital. Don attended local schools graduating from Eureka High in 1946. Don excelled at sports, lettering in basketball, football and track. He was named all county in basketball and track and was known to have never lost a race. After high school, Don attended Humboldt State University and then the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in business in 1950. Within two weeks of graduation, Don was drafted, eventually serving 14 months in Pusan, Korea in the U.S. Army 409th Engineering Brigade. After his service, in 1952 he returned home to Eureka and went to work as secretary for the Humboldt County Planning Commission. He then served as Planning Director from 1954 until 1959. In 1958, he married then Constance Watson of Eureka. Don became a distributor for Tidewater Oil Petroleum in 1959, and later purchased the wholesale distributorship, establishing W. Donald Hill, Distributing, Inc. He enjoyed making deliveries to all parts of Humboldt County and visiting with his many customers. He retired in 1989 after 30 years in business. Don also served on the Humboldt Grand Jury, Humboldt County Board of Trade, and Humboldt County Tourist and Trade Convention Bureau. Don was an avid fisherman, duck, and deer hunter enjoying many days on Humboldt Bay and hunting on the Kuntz Ranch, near Harris. Don was a member of the Humboldt Bay Duck and Gun Club and was very active in the local Ducks Unlimited organization. He served on the committee for 27 years and was named Sportsman of the Year in 1992. Don also served on boards for both Red Cross and the Clarke Memorial Museum. Don was very devoted to the museum serving as both vice-president and treasurer for the museum board. He remained an active member until his death. Don was a member of the Elks Lodge, Native Sons of the Golden West and Baywood Golf and Country Club. Don continued his love of sports throughout his life. He was always eager to attend any college or high school sporting event, and delighted in his family's sports activities. Don also enjoyed spending summers at his home in Redway with his family and friends. Many warm days were spent swimming in the Eel River followed by a cocktail on the deck with friends. A lifelong dog lover, he was rarely without a Labrador at his side. He is survived by his wife, Connie; son, Donald Jr. and wife, Janelle of Medford, Ore; daughters Stephanie Crnich, and husband, Paul of Eureka; Tricie Evans and husband, Chip of Oakland and granddaughter, Sarah Evans of Oakland. He is also survived by cousins, Dr. Paul Lofholm of Kentfield and Sharon Johnson of Newcastle, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers: Dr. John Winzler, Jr., Harold Hilfiker, Chris Prior, Greg Burger, John Friedenbach, and Pat McDonald. Honorary pallbearers: John Winzler, Sr., Albert Crnich, Robert Prior, John Burger, Arthur Chase, Frederick Slack, Jr., and Thomas Hannah. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Humboldt, in particular, Maureen and Eric for all of their help and support. Friends and family are invited to attend services to be held on Monday, 2 pm at the First Presbyterian Church, "I" and 14th Street, Eureka. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made the Clarke Memorial Museum, 240 E Street. Eureka, CA 95501. Arrangements are under the direction of Sanders Funeral Home, Eureka. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.
Published in Eureka Times-Standard from June 23 to June 24, 2012
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