We received word on June 23rd that Tony Hill / K1PHD had passed away. He had been a club member for perhaps 2 years.
Here’s Tony’s obituary sent to us by his sister:
Dr. Tony Lloyd Hill passed away suddenly last month at the age of 57. He was a man of many talents, passions, and accomplishments. A dedicated professor and political scientist, a musician, a diligent historian, and an amateur ham radio operator, but above all, he was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Tony was born on June 27, 1965 in Saint Paul, MN to Corinne and Gary Hill. He grew up in Warren, MN and later on Maple Grove, MN. He attended Warren High School and Osseo High School where he was active in student government and band.
Tony’s love for politics began very early on and he carried that passion with him throughout his life. He held a Ph.D. in political science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and authored “Canadian Politics, Riding by Riding.” He completed that book while pursuing an M.A. at the University of Minnesota. He also served as a research assistant at Harvard University and taught at MIT, Tufts University, Brandeis University, Suffolk University, College of the Holy Cross, University of Minnesota, and most recently, a professor at Campbellsville University.
Music was his second love. He played clarinet in his school marching band, taught himself how to play the piano and organ, researched and published articles about popular music, collected 10s of 1000s of vinyl records, and started a used CD company called Veritas Communications. He was involved with the tower bells of Minneapolis City Hall and County Courthouse where he produced over 1500 concerts and personally played more than 300. He served as chair of the Tower Bell Foundation since its inception.
Tony will be deeply missed by his loving family. His parents, Gary and Corinne Hill, his sister Sarah, his brothers Andy and Tim, his nephew William, and his niece Alexandra will carry his memory in their hearts forever. He is also survived by his biological mother Jeanette Holmen, and his biological sister Jodie Sorum. He is preceded in death by Lloyd and Harriet Hill (grandparents), Ole and Marie Kulseth (grandparents), and Brian Bantz (biological father).
As we mourn the loss of Tony, let us remember the legacy he leaves behind. Tony’s light will continue to shine through the lives he touched and the contributions he made. May he find eternal rest and peace knowing that his impact will forever be felt.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church at 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Warren / Alvarado / Oslo educational fund at www.wao.k12.mn.us/waoeducationfoundation or the Tower Bell Foundation at www.towerbellfoundation.org