August 12, 1941 - September 30, 2022
Pastor and former community college dean Barry Alan Hill died peacefully Friday, September 30, 2022 at home in Spokane with Kay, his wife of 47 years, at his side. He was 81. Born on August 12, 1941, in Seattle. Barry enjoyed telling tales of his small-town upbringing in Davenport with his parents, Russell and Lavora, and sister Diana. He graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.A. and M.A. in business education and international business, eventually working at Spokane Community College where he rose to become head of the business department. Barry married his love Kay (Torgerson) in 1975, merging their two families from previous marriages. After working in education for years, the two pursued their love of serving the Lord, pastoring for 18 years at Christian Life Church, touching many lives, leading worship with guitar in hand, building a strong fellowship and presiding over many funerals and weddings. Just a week before he passed, Barry officiated his granddaughter’s wedding. He and Kay spent many summers at Loon Lake in a beloved family cabin he helped to build, using his carpentry skills to build furniture and add rooms, including a game room with a great view of the lake. A talented water skier until 62, he impressed people with his cuts and taught many others to ski. He kept a meticulous lake log for years, recording memories, the weather and his victories in cards, bocce ball and other games. They loved welcoming family, and Barry often joked, “Laking is hard work.” Barry loved to travel, going on many trips and cruises around the world with Kay, as well as regularly returning to one of their favorites, Cannon Beach. Their devotion to family also prompted frequent trips to spend time with loved ones. Highly competitive, he regularly played tennis and billiards, once won a tri-county ping pong title in high school and was an avid bowler. He celebrated National Lefthanders’ Day, rarely missed Jeopardy and enjoyed watching old movies and many sports, especially college basketball. He rooted fervently for the Zags, and he and Kay made two trips to Final Fours. He also had a sweet tooth, often keeping red licorice, ice cream and Pepsi on hand. Barry valiantly battled multiple myeloma for more than a decade. Because of all he went through, some joked he had nine lives. Yet, he remained sunny, kind and eternally optimistic and thoroughly enjoyed life aided by his strong faith. Survivors include his wife, Kay, mother of Rick and Tami; son John and wife, Jen; daughter Julann and husband, Jason; son Rick Habel; son-in-law Don Grossi; former spouse Mary Hickman (Michlitch), mother of Brian, John and Julann; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He joins in heaven his parents, sister, daughter Tami, and a son, Brian, age 3 months. A wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, Barry was a kind, thoughtful man who loved us all and loved Jesus. We will miss him dearly. A service will be held Saturday, November 12, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Sozo Church, 2131 W. Woodside Ave., Spokane. Donations may be made to Living Stone Church, 12402 N. Division St, #242, Spokane, WA 99218.
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