John A Hill

John Arron Hill, “Mr. Crib”, 72, of Missoula, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2017 at home of natural causes.

He was born on July 24, 1945, in Missoula to Wayne B. Hill and Pearl O. Cannon both deceased.

He was a cement Mason and bartender at a few places, but most remember him from the Elbow Room, where he would give Sunday service.

He enjoyed bowling, cribbage and has amassed several cribbage championships all over the U.S.

He was a loving father to his daughter and was very friendly and outgoing. John took great care of his friends and he would give you the shirt of his back if he thought you needed it. John was known for a colorful vocabulary. There was never a joke you could tell him without John finishing it for you. He knew a lot of people and enjoyed seeing them every day. At Christmas time he played Santa Claus to a lot of people’s homes and he really loved that. To those that knew him, will miss how he always ended his sentences with, ”YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN?”

Survivors include his stepmother Bea Hill of St. Ignatius; his daughter and son-in-law Nicole and Brent Rice of Seattle; siblings Byron/Dayle Hill of Drummond, Marlene/Vern Person of Missoula, Robert/Jeanne Hill of Portsmouth, Virginia, Stephen Hill of San Diego, California, Dan/Donna Hill, Norman Hill, Mary, Martha, Gloria of Portland, Oregon, Lisa/Dale Wheeler of St. Ignatius, Tami Hill of Edmonds, Washington, and Harold/Anne Nelson of Missoula.

A celebration of life will be held at the Sunrise Saloon, 1101 Strand Ave., Missoula, on Wednesday, Nov. 15, from 2 to 5 p.m. Bring your stories to share.