Stanley E. Hill

Stanley E. Hill, age 79, passed away at home after a long illness on Thursday January 8, 2009. Stanley was born February 20, 1929, the son of Stanley and Helen (Cunningham) Hill, in Madison.   Stan married his high school sweetheart Jane Marshall on March 12, 1952. He is a graduate of West High School and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he majored in horticulture and botany. After graduation Stan became the first horticulturist and director of Olbrich Gardens in Madison.  He had worked for the City of Madison  since he was fourteen years old. Stan supervised the construction of many gardens and buildings at Olbrich. Stanley retired from Olbrich Gardens after 32 years of service, but his footprints will be indelibly etched on the gardens and in our hearts. His expertise, energies and delightful sense of humor will be greatly missed. He served as a role model for all who came in contact with him, demonstrating how love and respect for our environment can play a key part in one's personal development.   Stanley served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian church serving as an elder and on the building committee for 5 years, participated in the Madison Professional Men's Club, and served as President of The Friends of our Native Landscape. He was an avid Badger fan, enjoying most of all Badger Basketball. Stan and his family spent many wonderful vacations at his Boulder Junction home, where he also loved fishing, woodworking, playing bridge with the Way Up North Bridge Club and until his illness served as treasurer of the Manito Art League. Even when he wasn't feeling well Stanley remained a strong man with his ready sense of humor. He is survived by: his wife of 56 years Jane;   son David Hill (Debra Kaatz); daughter Peggy Hill Nicholas; his brother Jerry Hill; grandchildren Stephani and Christopher Nicholas and Logan and Katelyn Hill; brother's in law, James G. Marshall Jr. (Pat Peotter), William G. Marshall (Pat Gibson); and cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Helen Hill and Jane's parents James and Margaret Marshall, and his sister in law Berdine Reinholtz Hill.   A memorial service celebrating Stan's life will be held at OLBRICH GARDENS on Monday January 12th at 1:00 P.M., with Rev. Alex Thornburg, and Rev. Mary Jean Bartholomew officiating.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, 3330 Atwood Av. Madison WI. 53704, or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4100 Nakoma Rd. Madison, WI 53711.