Richard "Dickie" G. Hill, a resident of Espanola and formerly of Silver City, NM, passed away on Good Friday, April 7, 2023, in Silver City, NM, with his son Rene at his side. At Richard's request, cremation has taken place, and A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am Friday, April 21, 2023, at Terrazas's Funeral Chapels with Deacon Bill Holguin officiating. 

Richard was born on March 5, 1943, to Lupe V. and Veronica G. Hill of Silver City, NM, where he graduated from Silver High School, attended Western New Mexico University, and was a communicant of Saint Vincent de Paul Church.

Richard joined the Army during the Vietnam conflict. After basic training in El Paso, TX, he went to Fort Benning, GA, for jump school with the 101 Air Born Unit and then deployed to Manheim, Germany, where he learned to drive semis in the snow. After that, he spent one year in Vietnam attached as a gunner on helicopters (hueys) and held the rank of Sargent. 

Once home, Richard was happily married to Nadine M. Chavez of Central from October 1967 until her passing.

Richard worked for the Central and Hurley Police Departments before joining the Grant County Sheriff's Department. He then went to work for the Department of Corrections in Santa Fe, where he held the rank of Lieutenant until his retirement. He also worked as a security officer for Camel Rock Casino and Big Rock Casino in Espanola. 

Richard managed and coached the Kiwanis Little League when his son Gilbert was young and served as the first president of LULAC Council #8003. His hobbies were singing and playing his saxophone, guitar, and organ. He also enjoyed cooking, fishing, shooting, and caring for his granddaughters.  

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Nadine; his parents, Lupe, and Veronica; multiple aunts, including his beloved Aunt Connie "Chelo" Vallejos; uncles, cousins, and honorary brother and best friend, Clifford Rivera.

Richard is survived in death by his two sons, Gilbert C. Hill and Rene Hill (Jessica) of Silver City; his granddaughters, Veronica Lyn, Mary, Aurora, Savanna, and Selena; his great-niece Evelyn and two great-nephew David and Elias.  His family will miss Richard; may he rest in peace.     

Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.  Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory “Trusted care for the ones you love” ~ 575-537-0777.