December 31, 2009

Daniel Richard ‘Boyd’ Hille

Daniel Richard “Boyd” Hille died quietly Dec. 22, 2009.

He was born Feb. 11, 1927, to Dan and Mathilda Hille. He grew up on the family farm near Ritzville with his older brothers, all deceased, Rheinhold, Emil “Moose,” Ruben and Everett and his sisters, Mary (Shelman) and Arlene (Roth).

He graduated from Ritzville High School in 1945 and was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his service he returned to Ritzville to continue his education at Washington State University and Gonzaga University.

He met and married the love of his life, Elaine Lofgren, in 1949. They had four children, Mary (Reilly), Nancy, Scott and Mitch.

After working various jobs, including one in a Pontiac dealership in Ritzville, he started a Chevrolet dealership. Signing for the franchise in 1954, he was the youngest Chevrolet dealer in the United States. It became Hille Chevrolet-Pontiac in 1958. He retired in 1994 at the age of 67.

It has been said he loved his children, his grandchildren, his cabin at Priest Lake and his wife, Elaine, who preceded him in death in December of 2008.

He is survived by his sisters, Mary and Arlene; his four children, 12 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Dec. 26, 2009, at Danekas Funeral Home-Ritzville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Adams County Pet Rescue.