ForeverMissed
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His Life

Overview of Phil's Life

November 27, 2012

Philip Burton Hill June 1, 1930 - November 17, 2012. Resident of Pinole and formerly of Piedmont. Philip, age 82, died peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 17, 2012, after a long illness. Born June 1,1930 in Jackson, Michigan to Simon and Helen Hill. His family relocated to Oakland in 1932. He attended Piedmont High School and graduated in 1948, and later graduated from U.C. Berkeley, He served two years in the the Army National Guard. Philip's parents opened Hill's Shoes in downtown Oakland during the height of the Great Depression, taking over bankrupt Lewis Shoes, and transforming it into a successful family-run shoe store. Philip and his older brother Marvin eventually took over, and at one time operated five stores around the East Bay. Hill's Shoes became a landmark in the Oakland area, serving the local community as well as many celebrities, until it closed in 2002. Phil felt a strong affinity to Oakland and his customers, saying "I have so many customers who have become friends over the years, they're like family." Philip's passions included his career in the shoe industry, playing golf and cards with his childhood and business friends on Wednesdays, fishing and watching sports. He is survived by is wife of 29 years, Helga Hill; his children, Janel Hill, Stuart Hill, Allison Malone and Tuoc Luong; his grandchildren Taylor, Cole, Jordan, Shelby, Cade, Lianna, and Timothy; as well as his first wife and mother of his children, Marieann Hill. Philip was predeceased by his parents, Simon and Helen Hill and his brother Marvin Hill. A memorial gathering will be held at his home in Pinole on December 15th at 2pm. The address is 3525 Ponderosa Trail, Pinole, California.  For more information, please call Allison Malone at 505-463-5164.