ROCKLAND - Dennis Freeland Hill, 75, died Dec. 22, 2016, at his home, following a long and valiant fight against Mesothelioma.

Dennis was born Aug. 26, 1941, in Rockland, the second child and first son of Freeland and Merle Griffin Hill. He was educated locally, graduating from Rockland High School in 1959. Following graduation and after working locally for a short time, he joined the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea in the Pacific as the Vietnam War escalated. He served three years in the Navy, mostly as an airplane mechanic, before returning to civilian life and a new career at FMC Marine Colloids in Rockland. He retired from his job as an instrumentation technician at FMC in 2006.

Dennis found great pleasure in tending his flower and vegetable gardens, and was able to give away abundant produce for family and friends to enjoy. He was also a superior woodworker, making toy boxes, rocking horses, wagons, and other toys and furniture for the children. He loved visiting Boothbay Harbor every summer to see the Botanical Gardens. He really enjoyed being outside in any weather, and when he was younger especially enjoyed snowmobiling with his son and daughter.

Dennis loved to observe animals in nature and appreciated the beauty in God's creation. He became interested in the Bible and after studying it for a time, was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1982. He made many friends in the Rockland congregation where he was appreciated for his sense of humor and his helpful attitude.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents; and his sister, Jannine Cash. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Barbara; his son, Darren Hill of Cushing; his daughter, Deby Duplisea and her husband, Ryan, of Rockland; his step­daughters, Karen Emerson and her husband, Jacob, of Friendship, and Jen Struk and her husband, Roberto, of Conn. He was the proud grandfather to Dylan, Miranda, Skye, Jonah and Molly; and great-grandfather to Natalie. He also leaves his three sisters, Joyce Barbour and her husband, Don, of Camden, Alicia Hallowell and her husband, Tom, of Warren, and Holly Hill-Coombs and her husband, Jim, of Rockland; and his one brother, Freeland Hill and his wife, Tina, of Glenburn. There are also many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews as well, for the family is large and local. Dennis appreciated them all.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 21, at 11 a.m. at Burpee, Carpenter Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock St. in Rockland. Lunch will follow at 104 Limerock, the facility next to the funeral home. All are welcome.

While this obituary was being prepared, Dennis was asked if he had anything to add or anything to say about his experiences in his long life.

After some consideration he came up with the following: "Dennis Hill does not choose to participate." And there you have it!