Bruce was born July 14, 1932, in Rexburg, Idaho; the second of five children born to James Franklin Hill and Hildegard Ingeborg Emilie Trost. His early years were spent exposed to the beautiful outdoors of eastern Idaho, which established his love for outdoor activity.

Bruce’s mother was a school teacher and part of his early school education occurred in rural one-room schoolhouses at Irwin, Swan Valley, and Ione, with his mother teaching the community children. The later years of his youth were spent in Walla Walla, Washington, where he graduated from high school in 1950. The love of learning would follow Bruce throughout his life.

After high school, Bruce enrolled at Brigham Young University where he met his sweetheart, Leila Watkins, during a blind date. The couple married on September 18, 1952, in the Manti Temple. They remained in Provo until Bruce graduated from Brigham Young University.

While attending BYU, and during the Korean War, Bruce enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard and served as the Supply Sergeant, E-5, in the Headquarters Battery of the 145th Field Artillery Group. He served in the 145th for forty-three months.

Upon graduating from BYU in August 1954 with a B.S. in Geology, Bruce took his young family to California to begin a life and career in petroleum geology. As a petroleum geologist, Bruce was employed by several different oil companies and was involved in major oil discoveries. During his career of nearly four decades, he performed work in many areas in the United States as well as some international locations, including Libya, Africa, during the âSix Day Warã.

During his career, Bruce belonged to several geologic organizations, including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), American Institute of Petroleum Geologists, Pacific Section of AAPG, Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, Utah Geological Association, and the Four Corners Geological Society. He also served as a board member for the Rocky Mountain Geological Library, Front Range Land Investment Co., and Western Oil Reporter Magazine.

In 1968, Bruce was transferred to Denver, Colorado. He transitioned out of the volatile oil industry and finished his career as an Employment Specialist for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Bruce and Leila remained in the Denver area until after retirement. Colorado provided many opportunities, challenges, friendships, and unforgettable experiences.

Bruce served in various capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including Branch President, Missionary, Bishop, Bishop’s counselor, Elders Quorum leadership, Youth leadership, Scouting leadership, teacher, and Stake auxiliaries.

He was actively involved in community service and local politics, and always did so with his sweetheart Leila as his partner. They opened their home to many, especially to those in need.

Bruce loved sports and was a BYU sports fan. He enjoyed playing sports, participating in Track and Basketball in his youth. As an adult, he continued playing in church-organized and sponsored sports.

Bruce was preceded in death by his sweetheart and wife, Leila; father, James (Jim) Franklin Hill; mother, Hildegard Hill; brother Blaine Hill, sisters Beverly Blattner and Bernice Hill.

Bruce is survived by his sisters Beatrice Tyler and Bonnie James. In addition, Bruce leaves behind his children: Jayne Hansen (David G. “Doc” Hansen) of Provo, Utah; Richard B. Hill (Debbie Maule) of Mapleton, Utah; Jon J. Hill (Tamara Bons) of Provo, Utah; J. Brian Hill (Karen Beardsley) of Provo, Utah; and Kurt R. Hill (Lani Wilcox) of Gilbert, Arizona. Bruce and Leila were blessed with 30 grandchildren and 57 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Friday. March 4, 2022, at 11:00 am in the Grandview 16th Ward Chapel, 1260 West, 1150 North, Provo, Utah. A viewing will begin at 9:30 am.

The Hill family wishes to express our appreciation to owner Sam Eyre and the entire staff of caregivers at BeeHive Homes of Provo, for their kind and loving care shown to Bruce.

Interment will be at the Provo City Cemetery.

Mortuary services provided by Berg Mortuary, Provo, Utah.