Peter Woodworth Hill
November 29, 1933 – April 20, 2020
Peter Woodworth Hill passed away on April 20, 2020 at the age of 86. Peter was born in Detroit, Michigan. His father, Lyman, was a chemist, and his mother, Helen, was a teacher with a passion for weaving. He grew up loving everything in the art world – with an affinity for painting and a vast collection of art history books. He graduated from Albion College in Michigan and received his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art. He spent 42 years as a professor of art at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He primarily taught painting but also loved teaching art history classes. In his later years, he loved to travel. His trips with his family included visits to many of the art museums he had studied in his art history books for years. He and his wife Jody recently celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary. They were blessed with 6 children, 2 daughters and 4 sons.
Peter was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Lyman Hill Jr.; his son, James Campbell Hill; and his great grandson, Charles James Robert Hill. He is survived by his wife, Jody; his daughters, Lindsey Freeman (Todd) and Mary Achelpohl (Sam); and his sons: Peter Hill Jr., Stephen Hill (Leslie), and Rob Hill (Mimi).
He loved fishing in Canada, collecting interesting things, and music on the deck. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
A Private Family Service was held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, April 25, 2020. Memorials may be sent to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (925 S 84th Street Omaha, NE 68114).
8 Comments
Dear Jody,
In deepest sympathy, with gratitude for all the memories.
Toni Turnquist
Our deepest sympathy, Peter was a great guy. I’m glad that I had the opportunity to work with him while he was teaching art at UNO. He will be missed. Take Care HIll family.
Mary and family,
His tutelage will never be forgotten. Thanks for sharing him with all of his students (myself included) for so many years.
May you find warmth in the memories, peace in the knowledge of how much he loved you, and hope in the years to come without him.
Fondly,
Julie Ryan, Class of 1991
Fond memories of Peter Hill being my art professor; talented man.
I first met Peter Hill when he was chairman of the art department back in the early 70s. I had no art background but wanted to know how to paint with watercolor. He said to me, “Don’t you think it would be a good idea to learn how to draw first? I agreed, and that was the beginning. I was surprised that I enjoyed painting so much and decided to major in painting, too. I learned so much from Mr. Hill. I didn’t intend to get a degree but was encouraged to do so from many of my professors. Going to UNO were probably the best days of my life thanks to Peter Hill. I have thought about him so many times over the years. I am so sorry for your loss. I wonder if he is doing hard edge paintings in Heaven now.. I hope I get to see him again someday in Heaven.
Your secret fishing spots friend.will keep your memory in my heart. Till we fish together again my dear friend.
Hi peter hill family , just a nice man , and a treasure of a beautiful family he left behind , truthfully finest I’ve ever met in my life . Love from the wilderness of Canada , which he loved .
Allan
I find it difficult because Pete was one of our best friends. Their cabin was about 17 miles from our home so we often got together for enjoyable visits. We knew Pete because both Shirley & I worked at the University of Nebraska Omaha. We were surprised to see Pete and his family in 1965 during a stop in Vermilion Bay, ON. They were looking for a summer place. We helped them look around but they found their perfect place on their own In the spring of 1966 Pete and I brought their homestead up to their cabin. We spent an enjoyable week together – Pete would do some needed things at their new cabin and then back to our place for supper and the night. Great memories when we bunked with them during a major forest (Dryden 18). We truly loved the Hill family!
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