Michael Terry Hill

Michael Terry Hill, age 67, passed away peacefully on July 23, 2025, at the Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, Washington, surrounded by his loving family. His passing followed a brief illness from gallbladder cancer, diagnosed just five weeks earlier on June 18.
Born in 1958, Michael initially lived on Midway Island and then spent most of his youth in Virginia while his father served in the Navy. The family moved to Canby, Oregon when Michael was in middle school. Michael graduated from Canby High School in 1976 before joining the United States Navy. He served with distinction as a missile technician aboard the submarine USS Thomas Jefferson out of Pearl Harbor, and later at the Strategic Weapons Facility Pacific (SWFPAC) in Bangor, Washington.
After his military service, Michael attended Oregon State University, where he met the love of his life, Holly Harwood. He went on to earn a degree in Accounting from Portland State University in 1987. Throughout his career, Michael worked as an accounting controller for several companies, including Union Carbide in Washougal, WA; LBL Windows in Troutdale, OR; and Graphic Packaging in Portland, OR. In the early 2000s, he shifted gears and found a new passion in real estate, helping others with the same dedication and thoroughness that defined his earlier work.
Michael will be remembered for his good-natured sense of humor, warm heart, and quiet acts of love including caring for people in the most genuine way he knew - by feeding them. Whether cooking a carefully planned meal or just making sure the pantry was stocked with everyone's favorites, Michael found joy in preparing food that brought people happiness. Grocery shopping wasn't a chore to him - it was part of the experience, part of loving and looking after the people in his life. Several family members lived temporarily with Michael and Holly over the years. Michael was delighted that they always left with a few extra pounds; a sign they had been well cared for and loved.
He is survived by his wife, Holly Harwood; his beloved children, Michael Tyler Hill and Kasey Brianne Humbert and her husband Dalton Humbert and stepdaughter, Jenn Otto; his cherished grandchildren: Khloe Hill, Ona Humbert, Isla Humbert, Cade Otto, and Eli Otto; and his brothers, Stan Hill and Norman Hill; and many nieces and nephews.
Though his diagnosis came unexpectedly and his time was far too short, Michael spent his final weeks surrounded by the love and presence of his family. His strength, humor, and deep love for those around him will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the good fortune to share a meal - and a laugh - with him.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael's memory to the Ray Hickey Hospice House or to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be planned later.