SFC (Ret) Terry Lee Hill, 54 of Tonasket, passed away April 30, 2015 at his home with his loved ones by his side after a short but valiant and courageous battle of pancreatic cancer.

Terry was born April 14, 1961 to Gladys (Hill) and Clayton Carlson. After the death of his mother when he was just a baby he and his two brothers were adopted by his grandparents Harold and Annie Hill. Terry grew up helping his grandparents on their orchard. He attended the Tonasket school district and graduated in 1979.

Terry went on to enlist in the United States Army in 1980. He completed his four year enlistment and was honorably discharged of active duty in 1984. He remained a Reservist in the Army National Guard 448th CA BN. It was during this time that Terry became a Reserve Officer for the Oroville and Twisp police departments. Terry also was a part of the Okanogan County drug task force through the Army National Guard.

In 2002 Terry reenlisted in The US Army active duty. During this time Terry was deployed to Bosnia during the Bosnian conflict. After finishing his deployment Terry then became an Army recruiter. Terry had a great desire to help lead our youth down the right path in life. After 32 years Of serving his country, Terry retired in July 2012. Terry was the epitome of a true American soldier through and through.

In the winter of 2012 Terry went back into law enforcement as a Corrections Officer at the Okanogan County Jail and continued to work there until the time of his death.

In the winter of 2010, Terry embarked on a new journey with a gal named Marci who would turn out to be his true love and soulmate. Terry and Marci were married July 28, 2014.

Terry was a member of the Omak Masonic Lodge number 214. He also was a GM and honorary member of the Samaritan Riders Of Okanogan. And a volunteer fire fighter for the Tonasket Fire Dept.

Terry truly and whole heartedly served his country and his county.

Terry was all about lending a helping hand. He made you smile, he made you laugh. He loved life and it showed in all he did. Terry was a great friend to many and a good friend to all. He will be truly missed!

Each Labor Day weekend Terry looked forward to the Tonasket demolition derby. Terry Loved nothing more than to fix up an old car and then smash it to pieces. Terry also enjoyed taking motorcycle rides with his wife Marci and just enjoying life to the fullest. But Terry’s favorite thing in life was to hang out in his shop. He always had something to tinker on or fix and and there were many friends that gathered there and great stories to be told.

Terry is survived by his wife Marci Hill of Tonasket, Wash.

Daughter Stephanie Hill Scherbaum and her husband Marcus, and grandson Marco, of Viereth-Trunstadt, Germany; daughter Alexandra Ellen Hill of Tonasket; two stepsons Brad Klimek and Mike Klimek and his wife Chelsea of Omak; his aunt/sister Barbara Hill Morrison and her husband Jim Morrison; his niece Angela Fillion and her husband Gerard and their two children Ella and Xavier and niece Chandra Morrison and her daughter, Elaine, all of Wenatchee; one brother Richard Hill of Pennsylvania and his lifelong best friends Dale and Janet Montanye and their daughter Lacey.

Terry is preceded in death by his brother Harold Hill; his grandparents Harold and Annie Hill; his mother Gladys Hill and father Clayton Carlson.

A graveside service will be held for Terry Hill at the Tonasket Cemetery on Friday, May 8, 2015 at 1 p.m.

Bergh Funeral Service and Crematory is in care of arrangements.