WINTERPORT – Elisha “Mel” Melvin Hills, 68, passed away peacefully July 29, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at his home. Mel was born June 26, 1941, in Northport, to the late Harry H. Hills Sr. and Verla (Harriman) Hills Aldus. Mel grew up and attended school in Northport and was a 1960 graduate of Crosby high school, Belfast. He then worked for 23 1/2 years as a mechanic for the state of Maine before retiring in 2001. Mel loved the outdoors where he enjoyed camping, gardening, meticulously cutting firewood and fixing snow blowers, a passion that he took up in his retirement that brought great joy to him. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all. Mel is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Linda L. (Shorey) Hills of Winterport; his children, Joel Hills and wife, Kaline, of Dixmont, Brian Hills and wife, Leanne, of Hermon and Melinda St. Peter and husband, Aaron, of Brewer; grandchildren, Trevon and Trey St. Peter and twins, Lionel and Dorian Hills; sisters and their husbands, Verlesta and Clyde Wellman of Belmont and Martha Hills and Don Depoy of Virginia; brothers and their wives, Leslie and Eileen Hills of Belfast, William and Vivian Hills of Brunswick, Maurice and Emily Hills of Searsmont, Daniel and Anita Hills of Belmont, and Adam and Sandra Hills of Searsmont; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Paul and Mary Shorey of Patten and Norman Botting of Houlton; by his special canine companion, Tiger; as well as many nieces and nephews too numerous to mention. Mel was predeceased by two brothers, James Hills and Harry Hills Jr.; and two sisters-in-law, Lorna Botting and Sheila Hills. A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon Road, Winterport, with Pastor Keith Shorey officiating. Memorial contributions in Mel’s memory may be made to Autism Society of Maine, 72B Main St., Winthrop, ME 04364. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. Messages of condolence and memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com.
ELISHA M. HILLS ‘MEL’
