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John Whitcomb Hiller

1935 - 2020

BORN

1935

DIED

2020

John Hiller Obituary

February 25, 1935 - January 14, 2020 John Whitcomb Hiller, cinematographer at the Smithsonian Institution, passed away in January at INOVA Mount Vernon Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia. Born in Altadena, California, to Sarolta Katinka Szendeffy and Jack Slayden Hellar, he studied photography at The Art Center School in Los Angeles and worked as a photographer at The Arcadia Tribune before learning to use a movie camera in the Army. During his career his films received some 135 awards including one Oscar (The Stone Carvers 1985), an Oscar nomination (Generation on the Wind 1980), 20 Emmys, including five for Outstanding Individual Achievement, and 31 C.I.N.E. Golden Eagle Awards. He is survived by his wife, Alyssa Pease, and four children from a previous marriage: Leslie Ann Hiller, Jeffrey Whitcomb Hiller, Mark Elden Hiller, and John Edward Hiller, and a grandson, Forrest Whitcomb Hiller. A memorial will be held this summer in the Washington, DC area. Donations may be made to Del Ray Artisans, 2704 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Feb. 25, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
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2 Entries

John W Hiller behind the camera - what can be more natural??

Leslie Ann Hiller

February 25, 2020

For My Dad:
Your sudden departure took me by surprise but you were always full of surprises. Thank you so very much for giving me/us the Smithsonian as our second home - one of the best places to grow up in and around - in my mind's eyes I can still see me and the boys running around behind the scenes. - getting to see the King Tut exhibit alone before opening to the public. All real treasures of my life.
I Love you so very much and will miss your wonderful face, smile, and kind words. Thank you for being there when I needed you - you'll not be replaced.
Love Always and Forever,
Leslie Ann Hiller, Esq.

Larry Hopkins

February 25, 2020

Loved the picture and learning more about John. One of my favorite people of all time; he was truly an amazing human being.

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