Peter B. Hillis

Mar 29, 1936 -

Jul 15, 2024

On July 15, 2024, Peter Hillis passed peacefully in his sleep with his family by his side, in Anchorage, Alaska.

Born on March 29, 1936, in Grants Pass, Ore., to James Hillis and Dorothy Barnes, Peter grew up with a healthy work ethic, a love for the outdoors and an adventurous spirit. His childhood was spent in California; as a result he was involved in many activities and sports he enjoyed in his youth which included, going to the movies - the show, chemistry, San Francisco Rowing Club, high school wrestling, car racing and many other interests. After attending college, Pete joined the army. He was stationed in U.S. and Germany during the 1960s, taking time to see the sights while there.

Pete then moved to Alaska where he joined civilian service in the growing communication industry and did some time at Granite Mountain and North River. He met the love of his life Doris Sagoonick and his adopted son Anthony. Marrying in early 1970, they rounded out their family with the birth of Catherine followed by their last child Rachel. Peter and Doris raised their three children to enjoy the outdoors, hiking, camping and berry picking. After many years of working communications with RCA, Alascom and AT&T Alascom, he retired and enjoyed many beautiful years traveling with Doris, with trips to the Lower 48 to watch opera, to visit loved ones and relaxing vacations to Hawaii, to name a few.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Dorothy; sister, Colleen; and five years ago, wife, Doris.

He is survived by his children: Tony Hills; Catherine Maccabee (George) and their children Alexandra, Christopher, Katelyn, James and William; and Rachel Caramadre (Joseph) and their children Aaron Berger, Isabella and Lily; brother, James (Carlotta) and James' daughter Heidi; sister, Rosemary Dietrich; cousin, Gerald Barnes; eight great-grandchildren; in-laws; and many nieces and nephews.

Pete will be remembered for his kind spirit, his enthusiasm for learning, his loyalty and love of family and friends, and his strength of limb and heart.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral mass held at St. Patrick's Parrish, 2111 Muldoon Road, Anchorage, AK 99504, at noon on Friday, July 26, 2024.