In Memory of

Kenneth

M.

"Ken"

Hills

Jr.

Obituary for Kenneth M. "Ken" Hills Jr.

Kenneth M. Hills Jr., a resident of Kennebunk, formerly of Wollaston, Mass died on Saturday, May 5th, 2018. Born on August 20 1924 in Medford, MA, son of Kenneth and Ruth (Anthony) Hills. He graduated from Winchester HS, Tufts University BA and Boston University MBA.
Following high school graduation Ken enlisted in the Naval Aviation program in December 1942 and was called to active duty in 1943. In 1944 he received his aviator’s wings and flew in active duty on Atlantic Anti-Submarine Patrol. After VE Day he was transferred to the US West Coast and was qualified to fly PBY2 heavy bombers by the end of the war. He obtained the rank of Ensign and received the American Theatre Victory medal. Ken was very proud of his Naval Aviation service.
Immediately following the end of WWII Kenneth entered Tufts University in business administration and met his future wife Carol, they married in Boston and resided in Wollaston, Ma. Ken began his business career in the banking industry and eventually transitioned to the insurance industry. Upon retirement Ken became involved with international marketing as a consultant.
During his years in Boston, Ken was actively involved with the Boston Chapter of Rotary International, eventually becoming president for a term. Additionally Ken had a deep interest in history and was a member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Society of Colonial Wars and the Massachusetts Historical Society. Through research it was verified that his family ancestry came across with the Mayflower.
The Hills summer vacation was usually spent at the Colony Resort in Kennebunkport, ME, which brought them to the Kennebunks in their retirement years, building their beautiful home on the Kennebunk River. Ken remained active in the community being involved with his local church, South Congregational in Kennebunkport, Rotary Club, University of New England, and the Maine Chapter of Sons of American Revolution. Additionally, Ken, along with his wife Carol loved traveling abroad in Europe and Asia over the years.
Mr. Hills was predeceased by his wife Carol (Lechthaler) Hills, his brother Richard Hills of Dallas Texas and, his informally adopted Japanese daughter Teruyo Hirai of Osaka, Japan, who was mentored by the Hills during her college years in Boston and with whom they closely kept in contact over the years.
He is survived by his niece Angela Atkins, Weathersford, Texas; and Robert Alward, God son to Ken as well as guardian for him in his later years.
Visiting hours will be on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at Noon Time p.m. at Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME. Interment will be in Hope Cemetery, Kennebunk, ME with Military Honors.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Kenneth M. Hills can be made to the following organizations:
South Congregational Church, PO Box 414, Kennebunkport, ME 04046; or
Kennebunk Rotary Scholarship Fund, Inc., PO Box 888, Kennebunk, ME 04043.