ROCKLAND - Dennis Freeland Hill, 75, of Rockland died December 22, 2016 at his home following a long and valiant fight against Mesothelioma.
Dennis was born August 26, 1941 in Rockland, the second child and first son of Freeland and Merle Griffin Hill. He was educated in the local school system and graduated from Rockland High School in 1959. Following graduation and after working locally for a short time, he joined the US Navy, where he served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea in the Pacific as the Vietnam War escalated. He served three years in the Navy, mostly as an airplane mechanic, before returning to civilian life and a new career at FMC Marine Colloids in Rockland. He retired from his job as an instrumentation technician at FMC in 2006.
Dennis found great pleasure in tending his flower and vegetable gardens, and he was able to give away abundant produce for family and friends to enjoy. He also was a superior woodworker and he made toy boxes, rocking horses, wagons and other toys and furniture for the children. He loved visiting Boothbay Harbor every summer to see the Botanical Gardens there. He really enjoyed being outside in any weather, and when he was younger he especially enjoyed snowmobiling with his son and daughter.
Dennis loved to observe the animals in nature and he appreciated the beauty in God's creation. He became interested in the Bible and after studying it for a time, he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1982. He made many friends in the Rockland congregation where he was appreciated for his sense of humor and his helpful attitude.
Dennis was predeceased by his parents and his sister Jannine Cash. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Barbara; his son, Darren Hill of Cushing, his daughter Deby Duplisea and her husband Ryan of Rockland, his stepdaughter Karen Emerson and her husband Jacob of Friendship, and his stepdaughter Jen Struk and her husband Roberto of CT. He was the proud grandfather to Dylan, Miranda, Skye, Jonah, and Molly, and great-grandfather to Natalie. He also leaves his three sisters; Joyce Barbour and her husband Don of Camden, Alicia Hallowell and her husband Tom of Warren, Holly Hill-Coombs and her husband Jim of Rockland; and his one brother, Freeland Hill and his wife Tina of Glenburn. There are also many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well, for the family is large and local. Dennis appreciated them all.
A memorial service is planned for January 21, 2017 at 11 AM at Burpee, Carpenter Hutchins Funeral Home on Limerock Street in Rockland. Lunch will follow at the facility next to the funeral home. All are welcome.
While this obituary was being prepared, Dennis was asked if he had anything to add or anything to say about his experiences in his long life.
After some consideration he came up with the following chosen words: "Dennis Hill does not choose to participate" And there you have it!
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We send our deepest condolences to Dennis's family.
Dennis was an amazing man,greatest friend and beloved cousin,whom we will greatly miss dearly. Until we meet again Dennis. Love always, your cousin Steven Hill & family🌹❤
Steven & LaFona Hill - Sunday January 01, 2017 via Condolence Message
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