Stanley Hill

Stanley James Hill, aged 86, passed away suddenly on February 2, 2022. He was born on May 12, 1935, in Fruita, CO to Robert and Sereta Hill. In 1941, they moved to California, where he grew up. During his time in California, he served and was honorably discharged by the US Army. While he enjoyed his time in the military, he found his true passion for cars and began drag racing in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Stan was an avid racer for many years and enjoyed recounting his time behind the wheel. The last car that he built and raced now resides at the Museum of American Speed in Lincoln, NE, which he was able to visit one last time for his 80th birthday. The museum asked him to sign his car, and in return, he had the opportunity to enlighten them on several facts they had wrong in their history books!

Stan moved back to Grand Junction in 1965 where he met and married Patricia Guide in 1966. They had three children and later divorced. His love of cars naturally led the way to his career in the auto parts industry. He worked the next forty years for various NAPA parts stores, retiring from Bookcliff Auto Parts. “Stan the Man” was a walking auto-parts encyclopedia and could usually tell you what part you needed without having to look it up. He was a lover of history, old westerns, and guns. He loved going shooting in the desert and knew more about guns than we could hope to in a lifetime.

In his later years he spent as much time as possible with his family. Whether Sunday races, weekend games with the grandkids, or camping trips to the Grand Mesa and Lake Powell, he was a staple in his family’s life. Stan became known as ’Grandpa’ to every softball team his granddaughters played for, arriving at every ballgame with bubble gum, sunflower seeds, and Gatorade for the team. He enjoyed hunting and fishing in his youth, but later preferred the job of the ‘net guy’ at Lake Powell, joyfully watching his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids reel in the Stripers. Nights were spent around the campfire, sipping bourbon and beer, telling stories, and leaving lasting memories.

Stan was a quiet, hardworking man with a heart of gold who will be missed terribly. Stan was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bob Hill. He is survived by his brother George (Mary) Hill of Reno, NV, daughter Leigh Ann (Lynn) Lard of Grand Junction, daughter Cheryl Hill Gray of Fruita, son Aaron (Anna) Hill of Montrose, 9 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Ever a humble man, he did not wish for memorial services. We therefore ask that you raise a glass, watch a race, and spend a day with your family in his memory. Salute!