Richard James Hill

Richard (Rick) Hill passed away on February 9^th, 2023 peacefully at home in Twin Falls, Idaho, with his wife by his side.  He was 75 years old.   Rick was born in Hillsboro, Oregon to parents Ernest and Lorna (McLeod) Hill on February 21, 1947.  He grew up in Hillsboro and graduated from Hillsboro High in 1965.  Rick went on to get his Bachelor’s Degree from Pacific University, Master’s Degree from the University of Oregon and his PhD from Montana State University.  He started his career as a High School Math teacher, then became school Principal and spent about 38 years as Superintendent of schools in Montana and then at Buhl, Idaho. 

Rick married Joyce (Wink) Goettle and her 4 children on October 2, 1982 in Troy, Montana.  He was immensely proud of his stepchildren, Michelle Martin, Brian, Blane and Jake Goettle.   Because of having a kidney removed when he was a young teenager, he was never able to play football which was his dream as a child.  So not being able to play the game, he coached football in Alsea, Oregon and his team  won a state championship.  Rick spent many hours throwing the football to his “sons” and then in later years grandsons.   Rick was very athletic and excelled at most any sports he was able to play.  He was a track star in college and still holds a 54 year record for distance in shot put.

Rick is survived by his wife, Joyce, and stepchildren, Michelle Martin of Hansen, ID., Brian (Michelle) Goettle of Kimberly, ID, Blane (Dong) Goettle of Sacramento, CA. and Jake (Heidy) Goettle of Helena, MT., several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and sisters, Claudia Polen and April Herrin plus nieces and a nephew of Harrison, AR.   He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. 

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, February 17^th at Bridgeview Estates, 1828 Bridgeview Blvd., Twin Falls.  Donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Mayo Clinic at https://philanthrophy.mayoclinic.org/donatemc arrangements are under the direction of Rosenau Funeral Home.