County Seat Newspaper
of Clare County

GARETH “CURLEY” S. HILL

SEPTEMBER 23, 1941 – JULY 8, 2019

Posted

Gareth “Curley” S. Hill 77 of Clare passed away Monday, July 8, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospital of Saginaw. Gareth was born September 23, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan the son of William S. and Mary Jane (Barnard) Hill.

Curley was always dressed dapper and was always well groomed. As soon as he was big enough, away on a Harley he zoomed. He went from Utica to Baraga, where he met the love of his life, her name was Sharon and he made her his wife. As he worked the pipeline, he traveled near and far, sometimes he was known to stop at the bar. On Houghton Lake, he would fish from his seaworthy pontoon, and he loved to listen to an old Merle Haggard tune. Not long after 3 kids they bore, they enjoyed it so much they adopted 1 more. On evenings he might go to our local Masonic Lodge, or perhaps to visit Chum in the city of Dodge. He loved to stop at the S&R Diner whenever he was able, you’d find him and some other characters at the corner table. Life was good, Curley sure loved his dogs, a pet deer, a pet mink and on the grill, leg of frogs. In 1986, the “C” word took his leg, nothing could stop him, so he donned crutches and not a peg. Next there were grandsons, Papa-his new favorite name, and Oscar the snake his new favorite game. He was always smiling and always tan, whether he was greeting you from his amigo or his van. At a ballgame, or around the lake, or at Gerald’s eating a steak. Curley was always on the run, riding by fields or soaking up the sun. So came a time when he took his last ride, a big buck hit him right from the side. And the last chapter in his life would begin-I can’t believe that deer just might win. So, he has struggled and oh has he fought, but you can’t imagine the lessons, to us he taught. Be honest, remember your roots and love strong- if you do this, you will see, you will end up right where you belong.

Curley is survived by his daughter, Carole Hill of Clare, her 3 sons; Cameron, Aidan and Julian, one son, Gerald Hill of Harrison, daughter, Karen (Steve) Dagger of Harrison, her son, Cristian, daughter Tina Cooper of Detroit, her daughters; Alexa and Maddison and granddaughter, Agnes. One sister, Carol Zorn of Allenton, Michigan and 2 nephews; Craig and Eric Zorn. Curley also was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sharon and two nephews; Thomas Zorn and William Decker.

Curley didn’t like funerals, so none will be had- instead, he wishes you take a ride, have a cold one and remember him happy, not sad. To share an online memory or condolence with Curley’s family, please visit: www.stockingfuneralhome.com. Arrangements for Mr. Hill are entrusted with Stocking Funeral Home, Harrison (989) 539-7810.