Thank you to those who remembered dad’s birthday yesterday. My heart is full and joyful as I picture him enjoying the music and laughing in paradise ❤️. 
Aloha me ke aloha, dad.

Forever burning bright - a soul that influenced so many. Blessings to Richard and his family. Not forgotten in our hearts!

It’s been a year since Dad left which is hard to believe. I wanted to see my niece play volleyball, and the dates of her tournament just happened to fall over this week, so Bruce and I are together for this first anniversary since Dad’s death… another gift from God among so many. We’ve been reminiscing and sharing stories… and agreed we are thankful we got to spend some good times with dad before dementia fully hit.
I miss him, but I love that he is experiencing joy unspeakable, spending his first birthday in Heaven. Aloha Oe, Dad… until we meet again.

Aloha & hello from Monterey County, CA. Our choice of flower for Richard's birthday is a California poppy - a wildflower that is bright orange and bold. It is also our state flower, so we are sure that Richard enjoyed them while in residence in Cali. We remember Richard all the time and send our thoughts to the family and friends on this special day. 

I didn’t meet Richard until the last year of his life, helping with his care team. We communicated and coordinated with Michelle to keep her dad as active, engaged, and calm as possible. It was challenging yet gratifying.

I only had glimpses of a healthier, younger Richard. However, I could tell what an amiable, energetic and bright man he was. We had many revealing conversations, fast paced walks, but also feistier interactions.

I particularly enjoyed “employing“ him. With Michele‘s help and approval, and to keep Richard engaged and less anxious, we created his own business cards, “work“ tasks, and gave him his “compensation“. Rather than dwelling on his past employment or responsibilities, he looked forward to his new one.

I also wish I had met Michelle in better days. She was a wonderful and loving daughter and Richard was blessed by her devotion and desire to make her dad’s final months as comfortable and happy as possible.

John and I had the privilege of meeting Richard & Teddi in 1997. Some may not know that Richard's travels included the California Central Coast, specifically the charming village of Carmel. Richard and Teddi were managing a lovely inn in the village and needed some respite. John & I were in the business of relief work at that time. Richard hired us to watch the inn while he and Teddi were absent and we were very grateful for his trust in us to do it right. He was quite the perfectionist so we did not want to disappoint! We stayed in touch after our stint was over and became friends. 

After John and I secured a permanent motel management job in Monterey, Richard and Teddi left their position in Carmel. He contacted us with the news and we actually knew of an opening in Solvang (a cute Danish community in Santa Barbara County) for a management position we had turned down. It turned out to be a fit for Richard and Teddi and - voila! - we had returned the favor of gainful employment for two wonderful people.

We always stayed in touch with Richard in the ensuing years and actually went by to see him in Sherwood, OR while we were on a trip to the Northwest. We had the chance to see his then current kitties, his stereo set up (John always wanted to steal it), and the Gremy, that was his prized possession. We had dinner and a lovely visit. E-mail always kept us in touch and up to date with each other. He shared pictures of grandkids, him and his bike, and even the traffic cam video that caught him running a light in his hopped up Gremy! Apparently, Oregon sends the actual video link when they send you the ticket in the mail. We thought that was pretty funny. The Gremy couldn't outrun the traffic cam!

We thank Richard's daughter, Michelle, who kept us updated when Richard's health declined. We were worried about him but she shared pictures at the assisted living that showed him smiling and happy. We truly appreciated the updates and we will always have great memories from our time with Richard.

Our love and prayers go to all the family at this difficult time. Richard has said "Aloha" to us in this earthly life, but he has now been able to say "Aloha" to his love, Teddi. He is now complete.

Richard may God Be with you and your family. You will forever be in our hearts. Rest In Peace. Love, Sharon Hill

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear, precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home (lead me home)

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Richard Allen Hill, 87 of Sherwood, Oregon entered his eternal rest on April 21, 2021 surrounded by family after a three year battle with dementia.

Richard was born on April 14, 1934 in Springfield, MO to Dr. Vincent Rue Hill and Mary Rusk. Richard enlisted in the Army in November of 1957 and served at Fort Bliss, TX until he was honorably discharged in 1963. He completed his BA degree of Zoology and Chemistry, and his MA degree in Physiology at Southern Illinois University. In 1981, Richard completed a CHA degree at the American Hotel & Motel Association – the first obtained by anyone at the Sheraton Maui Hotel.

Richard’s journey led him to Maui where he met and married the love of his life, Theodora Dee Domlau (Teddi) of Wailuku, Maui who passed away on January 20, 1999. While pursuing his CHA degree, Richard started as Night Manager at the Sheraton Maui Hotel and was Rooms Manager when he left in 1985 to move to Florida to care for his ailing stepmother, June (Smelzer). Richard’s strong work ethic, quick wit and personable nature paved the way to a successful career in the hospitality industry. Besides Teddi and his children, Richard’s passions were his AMC GremlinX, stereo components, music, and his pets. Over his lifetime, Richard’s pets included his beloved Bull Mastiff Beau, cats, rats, chickens, mice and a duck. Self-built Heath kits (including a grandfather clock he built in 1979) were a part of his stereo system, and the superior quality of the "Marantz" captured dad's ears and heart. He bought his treasured Gremlin in 1972, and kept it in top shape up until October of 2019 when he was no longer able to drive. The “Gremy” lives on in West Virginia with its new owner who plans to care for it just as dad would have wanted.

Richard is survived by his son Bruce Vincent Hill (Stephanie), daughter Michelle June Hill, stepson Jens Lerback (Rebecca), cousins Russell T Hill (Sharon), and Susan H Davis (Mark), multiple grandchildren and a host of family members and friends. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.forevermissed.com/richard-allen-hill/about. In accordance with Richard's wishes, a small ceremony will take place at a later date on Maui where Richard will join Teddi in their final resting place.