Raymond D. Hill, M.D.

Raymond D. Hill, M.D, age 90, of Bellingham passed away Monday, October 14, 2013 at the Whatcom Hospice House in Bellingham surrounded by his loving family and his special pet Ivy. Raymond was born September 11, 1923 in Milville, New Brunswick, Canada to parents James and Emily (Wallace) Hill. He served overseas in the Canadian Army during WWII. Raymond graduated from University of New Brunswick and Medical School at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology in Michigan for 35 years. He married Dawn Beverly Purchase June 3, 1984 in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. Raymond is survived by his wife Dawn of 30 years; children, Penny L. Hill (Mike), Scott M. Hill, Daniel A. Benkarski (Karen), R. Scott Benkarski (Jeanie); grandchildren, Evan, Madeleine, Eric, Hannah and Kylan all of whom he adored; two sisters Lois and Vivian. Loving thanks to the wonderful staff at the Adult Day Health, The Alzheimer’s Society and Staying Connected. Ray considered these programs as “Memory School”. Hospice House provided a peaceful and loving environment for Ray and Family during his final days; they will always be in our hearts. Please share your thoughts and memories on-line at www.sigsfuneralservices.com A celebration of Ray’s life will be held with family at a future date. Memorials may be made in Raymond’s memory to; Whatcom Hospice, 2806 Douglas AV, Bellingham, WA 98225 or the Alzheimer Society of Washington, 1308 Meador AV, Suite C-1, Bellingham, WA 98229.

The following is a favorite poem of Dawn & Ray

Which they often read to one another.

Written by: Dr. Friedrich

Full Circle Round A lifetime full of years ago

in some celestial hall,

There came an invitation to a gala costume ball.

It was to be a mixed affair

of sadness swirled with mirth;

And for a ballroom they had picked the habitat called Earth.

The costumes were all custom made, a perf ect suit of clothes,

Complete with head and trunk and limbs, two eyes, two ears, one nose.

At first it felt uncomfortable and awkward in design,

But once I'd gotten used to it, it suited me just fine.

And so it was I came to be at this huge masquerade.

I danced and mingled with the guests all night, I am afraid.

Some dances were beyond me; but I did some others well.

My toes were stepped on frequently , and once or twice I fell.

It was as it was advertised:

the pleasure mixed with pain.

Some couples danced in wheelchairs while others used a cane.

The beverages were bittersweet, the food both good and bad;

Yet everybody wanted more of everything they had.

I walked out on the balcony to catch a breath of air,

And in the East I saw a trace of light had settled there.

I knew that it would soon be dawn; my dance of life was done.

I didn't want the day to come and spoil all my fun.

But in the early light I saw

-my costume wearing thin:

A sleeve detached, an elbow patched, and there a safety pin!

The bows and buttons had come loose, the padding was askew.

And with that dawn, it dawned on me what deep inside..! knew:

My body suit is needed

to attend life's grand affair; But once the ball is over

I must shed my costume there.

Then I can go back home again unmasked and undisguised ;

So when they come to welcome me I will be recognized!