Date of Death: August 22, 2022
Service Details
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Obituary Notice
Dr. Robert Vernon “Bob” Hill, 92, of Three Rivers, passed away Monday, August 22, 2022 at Beacon Health – Three Rivers.
He was born April 21, 1930 in Belleville, Ontario, Canada.
He graduated from Maine Township High School, Parkridge, IL in 1948. Bob then attended the University of Illinois, graduating in 1956. He then attended University of Illinois Medical School graduating with the Class of 1958, receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree.
Upon completing his residency, he joined the Three Rivers Medical Clinic, a primary care family practice. Later he started his own private practice in his hometown of Three Rivers. Next he became a partner in South Western Emergency Services, staffing the emergency room at Bronson Hospital and hospitals in Battle Creek. His final and favorite job was medical director for General Motors Hydramatic in Three Rivers, MI, retiring in 1992.
Bob was awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Three Rivers Rotary Club.
Bob married Sylvia Davidson on April 27, 1973 in Midland, MI. Many beautiful memories were made during their 49 years together.
Bob’s interests included skiing, traveling, boating on Fisher Lake, and dinner out with family and friends. His passions were golfing and home construction. Bob wintered in Jupiter, FL with Sylvia but was always ready to come home to Fisher Lake for the summer in the home he helped build.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Sylvia; five children, Robin Hill Kindle Morrow, Karen Hill, Jeff Hill, James (Tammy) Davidson, and Todd Davidson; 10 grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeremy) Holmstrom, Kristina (Max) Chamovitz, Allison, Tyler, Kaytlynn, Kylee, Hannah, Noah, Emily, and Eamonn; three great-grandchildren, twins Asher and Caleb, and Colt.
He was preceded in death by his daughters Leslie Hatcher and Kim Miller, and son Craig Hill.
The family would like to thank Beacon Health Three Rivers for their help and kindness during his stay.
Robert “Doc Bob” was known to his colleagues, residents, nurses, and patients as a compassionate, caring physician.
Additional Information
Donations in Bob’s memory may be directed to the Carnegie Center for the Arts or the Three Rivers Promise. Envelopes are available at Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
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Dear Sylvia,
So sorry to learn of the passing of Dr. Hill. My heart goes out to you during this most difficult time. Mike spoke often about how much he admired your husband. I only met Dr. Hill once but was deeply touched by his kindness and his gentle spirit. My prayers are with you, and with all your family.
Pam Bump
Early memories of our Canadian childhood filled my mind today with the passing of
my brother, Bob and the Queen of England.
Our Dad was the Ass. Chief Electrical Engineer for the Stewart Warner Corp. ( radio division) in Chicago when he was sent to Belleville Ontario, Canada to supervise the opening and operation of the radio division in their new plant.
Bob was born that first year and I was born 15 months later. We lived there for five years till Bob finished kindergarten and then returned to Chicago. For the next several Summers, we returned to Belleville and rented a cottage on a large lake and had fun filled times with outdoor activities. Bob and his best friend, Bobby Varley, were competitive buddies in the annual Soap Box Derbies. They raced down the steepest hill in town on their homemade boxes with wheels that, with some help from the dads, they made!
These are some fond memories that Bob and I shared in our Canadian adventures together.
We will all truly miss this fine man.. Love to the family
My beloved brother Bob was a senior in HS when I was born. 3 1/2 yrs later, our dad died, and even though Bob was still in college and later in Med school, he became my mentor, and sometimes protector. During the polio epidemic of the 50’s, our mom refused to let me get the vaccine because it was “new.” Bob knew how important it was, especially during an epidemic, so he brought some vaccine home and gave it to me privately! He had to do that several times because the vaccine came in a series, like covid shots today. I was always grateful that he stepped in and did that. Bob walked me down the aisle, and was just a wonderfully supportive big brother in so many ways over the years. My kids loved visiting Uncle Bob and Aunt Sylvia. Their lake house and setting are of course inviting, but it has been the relaxed hospitality and spirit of fun that made everyone feel so welcome. Also, no one has mentioned how much Bob loved to golf! Bob taught me so many things– I wonder why he never thought to teach me how to golf? My husband really enjoyed golfing with Bob, though. Bob was one of the Good Guys. He will be truly missed by those who loved him, or simply enjoyed his gentle humanity.
My condolences to Sylvia and family. Bob was a fine man and a very special friend. I’ll treasure his memory
Dr. Hill was a precious man. Because he volunteered at the snack bar, I was able to speak with him occasionally. My mom Vera thought so highly of him. Our sympathies to the family.
Dear Sylvia and family. So very sorry to hear of Dr, Bobs passing. Such a kind
Gentle man, and always there to help with his sage advice. Both Bob and Sylvia always welcomed us with open arms. I have such happy memories of the house on the lake. And spending time in Florida. I’m sure he has met up with Elmer and will be having some great conversations. Rest In Peace Bob
Bob and Sylvia have been wonderful neighbors for over 40 years. Dick enjoyed having coffee Tuesday mornings with Bob and and friends. Bob will be greatly missed.
Bob was a great neighbor and close personal friend of the family. He was our personal physician when he had his practice and even gave me my pre marriage physical back in the 60s when he worked at WMU. Doc Hill will be sorely missed. We lost a good one!
Fred Hatcher
I can’t thank Bob for all the things he and Sylvia have done for me and our family. When his daughter Leslie was ill, he was there making sure that she got whatever she needed. Jennifer and Kristina enjoyed there summers with them and still consider Three Rivers their home. I was introduced to Bob and quickly learned that he was very good playing cards, especially Wizard. I don’t have enough room here to express my feelings for him and all the things he did for us. I know he was only my father-in-law, but he was like a father to me.
You will always be in our thoughts and dreams.
Dear Sylvia and the entire family, please accept my deepest sympathy during your loss. I loved Dr. Bob. He always made me feel so welcome to the family. Know that my prayers are with all of you. Take comfort in knowing that he’s with Craig now. My heart goes out to all of you. I’m thinking of all you. All my love.
We remember Bob not only as our family physician but as a friend. He rebuilt car transmissions and carpentry work with our son. I worked with Bob at the hospital auxiliary snack bar. Over the years we took the time to reminisce and remember. Bob you will be missed
Jim and Family,
Sending my condolences to you and your family! Sorry our paths never crossed but being Doc Bob I know him has helped 100’s of people though out his life time! You were all blessed to have he part of your life! May he rest in pease and spread his wings amongst all the other angels! My thoughts and prayers are with you all .
So sorry for your loss Sylvia and family. May you memories bring you comfort as you grieve Bob’s passing.
Bob was a wonderful Man, Husband, Doctor, Grandfather, and just a great guy to know!
He will be missed.
Thanks for being a wonderful Papa!
Thank you Mr (Doc Hill)
For your generosity and kindness and setting a great example of how live our lifes in peace.
So glad I was able to cross paths with you and your wonderful wife Sylvia at La Cafe over a cup of coffee a while back.
Our thoughts are with you and your family.