Bertrand James Hill
Bert was born in Roslyn, Washington on March 26, 1936 to Harry and Antoinette Hill and passed away on April 13, 2023 at the age of 87 in Tacoma, Washington. Bert grew up in the small town of Roslyn, Washington where his father worked as a blacksmith and then in the thriving coal mining industry that brought life to the town. Bert always spoke fondly of his youth and growing up with older brother Larry and younger brother Rob. His days were filled with hikes and fishing trips and he enjoyed playing football and running track, as well as playing baritone in the band.
Bert spent his undergraduate years at Seattle University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While attending Seattle University he began working for the Boeing Company where he would work his entire career. He continued his education at the University of Washington and also earned a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Bert’s Career at Boeing would include working on the Apollo program from 1962 to 1972, working on the Public Rapid Transit System in Morgantown, WV from 1972 to 1976 and working on classified projects from 1977 to 1996 when he retired. . I recall several of his colleagues stating, at his retirement banquet, that he was usually the smartest guy in the room, a sentiment that is shared by countless others that have met him
Ultimately, his career in the aerospace industry would take him to the deep South to work on systems testing for the Apollo space missions. It was there, in Pass Christian, Mississippi that he met the love of his life, Mary Greco. Bert and Mary were soon married on July 14, 1968 and began their family. Daughter Sandra was born about a year later in 1969 and son Jim in 1971. Shortly after Jim was born, Bert’s job with Boeing took them to Morgantown, West Virginia and then eventually to Kirkland, Washington in the summer of 1976, which became their home.
Bert was a devoted member of the Catholic Church attending church in Kirkland at Holy Family Parish. He was a respected member of the Knights of Columbus where he served as a Grand Knight and was granted an honorary lifetime membership. Bert was generous in volunteering his time at church functions and especially enjoyed helping with pancake breakfasts and crab feeds over the years.
Bert was also a devoted husband and father. He prioritized making it to his kids’ activities and sporting events, despite working long hours at Boeing. He enjoyed tinkering on computers and other projects in the garage but was always available to help with math homework. Bert’s devotion to his wife was unmatched. When Mary developed Alzheimer’s related dementia, Bert was her sole caregiver for many years. A special joy was to see them walking together holding hands. When her disease progressed to the point that she needed additional care, Bert was by her side every day, without fail. Truly a love story for the ages. Bert’s kindness, generosity, intelligence and quick wit will not be easily forgotten by all that he has touched over the years.
Bert’s service will be held at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Kirkland on Tuesday, May 16th 2023 with a funeral mass at 11am, immediately followed by a reception in the church’s social hall and interment at Kirkland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Bert Hill to the American Parkinson Disease Association: or to Catholic Community Services of Western Washington: https://ccsww.org/donate-ccsww/
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