Philip R. Hill

Philip Hill, resident of Ephrata, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2005, at age 67. Beloved husband of Frances (Burroughs); loving father to Kristen McQuillin of Tokyo, Japan, and Jennifer Hill-Kaucher of Edwardsville; grandfather of Helen; and brother of Richard Hill of Indianapolis.
Phil created glass art that hangs at the Ephrata Public Library, Anam Cara in Ireland, and private homes around the country. His art won the WITF Gallery Judge’s Citation Award in 2003. A gallery of Philip’s work is online at grandfatherphilip.com. He volunteered with EPAC as a prop builder and appeared on stage in numerous productions throughout his lifetime.
Born to Helen and Elvis Hill in 1937 in Detroit, Michigan, Phil raced stock cars before he had a driver’s license and joined the Navy at an early age. He served as a nuclear engineer aboard the USS Enterprise (CVN-65). After leaving the Navy, he worked as an engineer and later in research and development in the textile and adhesives industries where several of his processes were patented. He enjoyed an early retirement from ParaChem, Inc.
Water played an important role in his life, as he wrote on his website, “At an early stage in my life I became fascinated with water. We lived by Lake St. Claire outside of Detroit, Michigan, and I loved to go look at the lake and boats. When visiting relatives in Chicago, Illinois, going to Lake Michigan, the Chicago Yacht Club and the Chicago Fountain was a must!” Much of his glass art incorporated the colors and textures of watery surfaces and he drew inspiration from ancient legend and literature.
Private interment. Friends received at Eicher Arts Center from 5 – 8 pm on April 1st. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Heifer International, 1202 Main Street, P.O. Box 727, Little Rock, AR 72203. (888) 422-1161 foundation@heifer.org orheiferfoundation.org