Christopher William Hill

Celebrating the Life of Christopher William Hill

August 23, 1956 – May 7, 2026 

Christopher William Hill, a man of remarkable resilience, service, and heart, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2026 surrounded by the family he loved. 

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ruth and Dick Hill, Chris’s life was defined by a steady strength and a persistent desire to help others navigate the storms he knew so well. As a young man, he stepped into service with the United States Marine Corps, serving in Okinawa and earning the rank of Sergeant. He carried the discipline and honor of the Corps with him long after his honorable discharge. 

Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Business degree from the University of Colorado in 1985. 

While Chris faced a lifelong battle with mental illness, he refused to let it be a silent struggle. Instead, he turned his lived experience into a lifeline for others. As a client board member for the Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Chris became a global advocate, traveling across the country and abroad to certify clubhouses that provided community and dignity for those living with mental health challenges. 

Perhaps Chris’s greatest legacy, however, was his 40 years of sobriety. A dedicated member of Alcoholics Anonymous, he spent countless hours walking alongside others in their darkest moments, offering the same hope that had sustained him. Just weeks before his passing, he received his 40-year coin—a beautiful "mission accomplished" for a life dedicated to recovery and helping others find their way back to the light. 

Chris is survived by his siblings, Rick (Monica) Hill, Mike Hill, Barbara (Larry) Marcum, and Robyn (Brad) Herman, along with numerous nieces and nephews who will remember him for his courage and his kind spirit.