Roger William Hill, a distinguished architect who left an indelible mark on both the San Francisco architectural landscape and his beloved Berkeley community, passed away peacefully at his home in the Berkeley Hills on July 2 at the age of 94. His death marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to architecture, family, and service.

Born on February 23, 1931, in Lincoln, Nebraska, Hill's early years were shaped by the challenges of the Great Depression. His family moved frequently during those difficult times before eventually settling in Omaha, where he and his brother Robert were raised. Despite the hardships of the era, Hill excelled academically and personally, earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank and graduating with distinction from Central High School.

Hill's path to architecture began when he received an NROTC scholarship that took him to Iowa State University, where he pursued his passion for architectural studies. His leadership qualities emerged early, as he served as president of his fraternity during his college years. It was at Iowa State that fate intervened in the most wonderful way – he met Zoe Loes, the woman who would become the love of his life. The couple married during their final year of college, beginning a partnership that would last an extraordinary 72 years.

Following his graduation during the Korean War, Hill served his country with honor as an officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp, which was based in San Diego. This military service proved to be more than just a duty – it was during these Navy years that both Roger and Zoe fell deeply in love with California, a state that would become their permanent home and the backdrop for their entire life together.

After completing his military service and returning to civilian life, Hill and his wife relocated to Berkeley, where he pursued advanced studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning his master's degree in Architecture. This period of academic growth was also marked by the couple's blossoming love of travel. In a testament to their adventurous spirit and careful planning, they spent three months exploring Europe on just five dollars per day, traveling between Hill's graduation and the start of his professional career as an architect in San Francisco.

The couple soon began building their family, welcoming three children who would bring them immense joy: daughter Lisa and sons Bruce and Brian. Each child would grow up in the unique environment that Roger and Zoe created in Berkeley, experiencing firsthand their parents' values of education, adventure, and community engagement.

Among all of Hill's professional accomplishments, his proudest achievement was designing and building the family home in the Berkeley Hills. This wasn't just a house – it was a manifestation of his architectural vision and a testament to his skills as both designer and builder. The home served as the foundation for countless family memories and stood as a daily reminder of Hill's talents and dedication to his craft.

During the turbulent 1960s, Roger and Zoe made the conscious decision to raise their family in Berkeley, where they witnessed and participated in significant social changes, including school integration and various cultural transformations. Rather than shy away from these changes, they embraced them as part of their community's growth and evolution.

The Hill family was known for their love of adventure and outdoor activities. Roger and Zoe planned numerous family expeditions that included camping, backpacking, tennis, skiing, and hiking. Many of these adventures were made possible by a camper van that Roger built himself using a Ford chassis, demonstrating once again his practical skills and innovative thinking. These family trips created lasting bonds and instilled in their children a love of exploration and nature.

As the years passed and grandchildren joined the family, Roger and Zoe continued their tradition of adventure, taking their grandchildren on memorable trips and providing support to their extended family in countless ways. They understood the importance of creating experiences and memories that would last lifetimes.

Professionally, Hill built an impressive and successful architecture career in San Francisco, working primarily at the prestigious firm Stone, Marraccini and Patterson. His expertise was particularly valued in healthcare architecture, where he oversaw major hospital projects both domestically and internationally. His portfolio included significant Veterans Affairs hospitals in multiple locations: Palo Alto, Loma Linda, Coos Bay, Oregon, and Houston, Texas. Perhaps his most notable international project was the King Khalid Military Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a complex undertaking that showcased his ability to work across cultures and adapt his architectural expertise to different environments.

Through his professional work, Roger and Zoe developed deep friendships within the San Francisco architectural community, relationships that enriched their lives and provided a network of like-minded individuals who shared their passion for design and innovation.

In retirement, the couple's love of travel reached new heights as they explored destinations around the world. They also pursued quieter pleasures, including golfing, gardening, and reading, while always prioritizing time spent with family and friends. Roger's retirement was active and engaged, reflecting his lifelong curiosity and energy.

As a Korean War veteran, Hill felt a deep connection to military history and service. This connection led him to volunteer as a docent for 15 years on the USS Hornet museum in Alameda, where he shared his knowledge and passion for naval history with countless visitors. His service as a docent was more than just volunteer work – it was a way to honor his own military service and educate others about this important period in American history.

Faith played an important role in Hill's life through his long-time membership at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. His commitment to his church community was demonstrated through his service as both an Elder and Deacon, leadership roles that reflected the respect and trust his fellow congregants placed in him. He also served on the planning committee for the church's 1975 Sanctuary, bringing his architectural expertise to bear on this important religious project.

Roger Hill is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Zoe, demonstrating a marriage that truly stood the test of time. His legacy continues through his daughter Lisa and her partner Terry Barker, son Bruce and his wife Stacy Dickinson, and son Brian and his wife Marisa. His influence extends to the next generation through his grandchildren: Julian, Aidan, August, Elsie, Iggy, Madeline, and Christopher. He is also survived by his brother Robert and his wife Gigi.

Those who knew Roger Hill remember a man who lived a long and remarkable life filled with adventures, meaningful relationships, and genuine joy in spending time with family and friends. His life exemplified the values of hard work, creativity, service to others, and dedication to family.

To honor Hill's memory and continue his legacy of community service, donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley, an institution that meant so much to him throughout his life.

A memorial service celebrating Hill's life has been planned for September 12 at 1 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley. The service will accommodate both in-person attendance and online viewing through YouTube, ensuring that all who wish to pay their respects can participate regardless of their location.

Roger William Hill's passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to architecture, his community, and most importantly, his family, will continue to resonate for generations to come. His life serves as an inspiring example of how one person can make a lasting impact through professional excellence, community service, and unwavering dedication to those they love.