Roderick Hill

Roderick L. Hill, age 88, of Kalamazoo, MI passed away Tuesday, October 6, 2015. Rod was born in Kalamazoo on July 23, 1927 to the late Harry W. and Niobe L. (Tribe) Hill. He served his country honorably in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. On August 17, 1956, he was united in marriage to Lois M. (Van Eck) Hill, who preceded him in death on July 19, 2013. He graduated from Kalamazoo College with a bachelor's degree and later earned his master's degree from WMU. Rod worked as an educator and administrator for Kalamazoo Public Schools for many years. He worked with Miller Stayrook, a Kalamazoo Public Schools social worker and active mothers of Edison students to form the Edison Neighborhood Committee. He also worked with Dick Milne, the director of the Boys' Club, and Superintendent Richard Percy to bring about the building of the Boys' Club at Edison Elementary. In addition to this, Rod partnered with Ruth Calhoun, KPS Director of Food Service, to start the first elementary public school's breakfast program; which later became the first KPS elementary lunch program. He taught photography in 4-H and enjoyed woodworking and woodcarving. He was a founding member of St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, and carved the Christ the King figure that hangs above its altar. Rod leaves behind four children to cherish his memory, Julie Hill, Scott Hill, Amy Hill, and Mark (Amy) Hill as well as grandchildren Nicholas Morcom, and Hayden and Baxter Hill, and beloved dog, Aggie. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Harry G. Hill. A memorial service to celebrate Rod's life will be held at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, 2010 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo, MI 49004 on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at 11:00 AM. Inurnment will be held at the church columbarium. Memorial contributions may be given to St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church.