Obituary of Dean Jay Hill Sr.

Retired Oroville Fire Chief

His Legacy… Dean Hill, born January 5, 1940, laid to rest October 18, 2017. Dean graduated Oroville High School in 1958. He was an outstanding athlete in cross country, track, basketball and especially baseball. He broke the record in track for the mile. Dean married his high school sweetheart Kay Lambert. Dean was a firefighter for the Oroville Fire Department for 32 years, and was the Fire Chief for 13 of those years. Dean was best known in the fast pitch league for his pitching abilities. His favorite pitch was the knuckle ball that floated like a butterfly, and his strike out pitch was his drop ball. They were in the top of their league. Dean received the Samuel J. Norris award for excellence from the City of Oroville in 2016. He was very honored and touched by this prestige award. Dean has devoted his life to his family and to the City of Oroville. He was very proud of his accomplishments and of our city. He was an amazing and caring man and always knew how to make others smile.

His Family… Dean is survived by his wife Kay Hill, son Dean Hill Jr, (Pam), daughter Windy Hill. Grandchildren Kristi Harrison, Michael Hill, Jennifer Hill-Fox (Jeremy) and great grandson Jeremy Dean Fox. Brother Glenn Hill (Auda), Sister Loretta Jovich (Gene), and Sister Joan Leathers. Dean is preceded in death by his Father Ervin Hill, Mother Mary Hill, and his Brothers Rudy Hill and Ronnie Hill.

His Farewell Service… A Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 26, 2017 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson Street Oroville, California. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nazarene, 2238 Monte Vista Ave. Oroville, California. Dean will be laid to rest at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5646 Lincoln Blvd, Oroville, California. A gathering after the service will be held at the Oroville Fire Department. Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.