Donald Gene Hill Jr.

Donald Gene Hill Jr, 71, passed away in Swan Valley, Idaho.

Don was born December 2, 1949, to Donald Gene and Mary Margaret (Lott) Hill. He graduated from Bonneville High School and went on to study at College of Idaho, University of Oxford, England, and University of Tennessee. Don lived in Springville, Utah, and served as Bishop of the 25th Ward for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a professor of Philosophy at Brigham Young University, Provo, before returning to Swan Valley, Idaho.

He was passionate about fly fishing, learning from his grandfather. His favorite was fishing Indian Creek and the riff of the Snake River, studying hatching insects along the river and tying flies to match them. He loved exploring the Idaho backcountry, where he found peace, and enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others. His passion for the outdoors was evident in his artwork later in life, collecting a variety of woods, rocks, antlers, and bird feathers.

Don is survived by children, Nancy Hill; Caleb Nephi (Bronwyn) Hill of New York City; Graeme Charles Hill; Kara Marguerite Hill of Muncie, Indiana; Kellen Taylor Hill; Kacie Hill; Hanna Maddie (Jake) Bingham of Eagle Mountain, Utah; and grandchildren: Makenzie, Conner, Dax, Avery and Hudson.

He is survived by his sisters, Marianne (Bill) Sperry of Cave Creek, Arizona; Susan (Phillip) Ivey of Salem, Utah; nieces and nephews: Jason, Jill, Brandon, Andrea, Ryan and Eric.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother, Clair Lott Hill; nephew, Bryce Tippetts.

A graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Ucon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Snake River Animal Shelter, www.snakeriveranimalshelter.org