“Why live somewhere else when you already live in paradise?”  This quote from Donald (Don) F. Hills pretty well summarizes his outlook of the nearly 71 years he lived in Union, Maine.  Born to Vivian and Marguerite (Robbins) Hills on August 8, 1947, he and his sister Joyce grew up on the old Hills homestead situated on Sennebec Road that was originally settled by his ancestor Reuben Hills in 1802.  His father died before his first birthday, then Richard (Dick) Gordon became his stepdad, of which he had commented, “I couldn’t have chosen a better father.”

He was a self-appointed steward of this family land, which offered him much gratification for keeping it manicured.  He carved out his ideal plot on which to build the home where he and his wife, Lorna (Mitchell), would raise their son, Justin.  This location also provided the space occupied by the Don Hills Company, Inc., the hydraulic business they operated together for 31 years.

After reading lengthy obituaries he would remark, “Keep mine short because anyone who knew me will know what I did or didn’t do, and will remember what they want about the kind of person I was.”

Although it was not always verbally expressed, he felt a genuine love for his family, friends, country, Army buddies and life, which was expressed through random acts of kindness, gratitude or practical jokes.

His surprise enlistment into the Army following graduation took him to Vietnam from 1967-1969 where he honorably served with the 137th  and 497th  Engineering Co.(L.E).  Bonds made with his “brothers in arms” have filled his life with love, laughter and travels throughout the U.S.A. during his twelve years of retirement.  

His two year old granddaughter, Emeline, has been “Grampy’s ray of sunshine” these past six months.  

He leaves us with his no-nonsense philosophy to “do it right the first time, then you won’t have to pay to do it over.”  

Don is predeceased by his parents, stefather, and stepbrother Jenness and Larry Gordon.  He is survived by his wife, Lorna, sister Joyce, step-sister Janice (Bob) Linscott all of Union, son Justin Hills and wife Samantha Quinn of Lincolnville, sister-in-law Reenie (Chuck) Davis of Woodridge, Illinois, Sherry (Chick) Strauss of Brunswick, Maine, grandchildren Emeline and Alex of Lincolnville and multiple nieces, nephews and cousins.

In keeping with his passion to help fellow veterans, in lieu of flowers donations may be made in Don’s name to Togus VA Voluntary Service with the memo: Hospice & Palliative Care Unit and mailed to 1 VA Center, Augusta, ME  04330

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Hall Funeral Home, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro, Maine.  A graveside service will be held at noon, with military honors, at Lake View Cemetery, Overlock Hill Road, in Union, on Monday, May 7, 2018.  An informal social gathering with casual dress will follow from 2-5 p.m. at The Elks Lodge, Rankin Street, in Rockland.

Condolences for the family may be shared at www.hallfuneralhomes.com   Arrangements are entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Tribute Center, 949 Main Street, Waldoboro.