Francis R. “Butch” Hill, 73, a resident of the Big Lake area, passed away on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at the Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

He was born on July 28, 1938 in Grants Pass, Oregon the son of Russell & Sarah (Humphreys) Hill.

He was raised and attended school in Coquille, Oregon, graduating from Coquille High School with the class of 1956. From January 1957 to January 1961 Butch served his county in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge he worked in the maritime industry in Oregon and for military contractor Puget United Transportation, servicing and operating heavy equipment in Vietnam for five years.

In 1970 he moved with friends to Mount Vernon where he worked for Hamburg Ironworks for a while and then for Van De Grift Logging building roads for several years.

In 1977 he was united in marriage to Jean (Gibbs) Franks in Mount Vernon and where they made their home.

In 1983 he returned to working in the maritime industry working for Crowley Marine Service, repairing and operating equipment, and loading and unloading tugs and barges in Alaska until his retirement in 2002.

Butch enjoyed hunting and fishing, cooking, working in his yard and garden, building and fixing things, and just plain ol’ tinkering; but his most enjoyment came from being with his family.

Butch is survived by his loving wife, Jean at the family home in Big Lake. His dedicated and caring children, Kenny Franks and his wife Mary of Big Lake and Karen Christensen and her husband Dave of Clear Lake. Six grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer, and Christina Franks all of Skagit County-, Alisa Manley of Clear Lake, Kristen Rupp (Gary), Katelyn Hill of Colorado, and one great-grandson, Noah Franks. His old faithful friend, his dog, Olive and numerous extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Russell Hill.

The family would like to acknowledge the staff at the ICU at Skagit Valley Hospital for past care and to Dr. Shetabi and the staff at North Puget Cancer Center. Memorials are suggested to North Puget Cancer Care at United General Hospital.

Graveside Services with Military Honors will be held on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM at the Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery with Pastor John Batts of the Clear Lake First Baptist Church officiating. Services are under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.