Robert "Bob" Hill, a Hanford Joint Union High School District board member and a semi-retired proprietor of Robert's Auto Classics, died Friday night after attending a Hanford High School football game with family members.

Hill, 69, who twice served as Hanford mayor, would have turned 70 on Dec. 14.

The cause of death is undetermined, according to his daughter, Terri Northington of Hanford. But she speculated Hill could have suffered a massive stroke or a blood clot following a leg injury he suffered about three months ago.

On Friday night, Hill was riding in a car with his son, Chris Hill, and four of his grandsons after the football game at the Hanford High Neighbor Bowl. Hill started having breathing problems, and was rushed to Central Valley General Hospital in Hanford, where he died.

"He was so excited about going to the game," Northington said. "He loved Hanford. He would do anything for the city. He did everything for the kids."

Marcie Buford, a former councilwoman from Hanford, who knew Hill, said, "He was a good friend and a wonderful civic-minded person. He gave generously of his time to the community."

Hill served on the Hanford Planning Commission from 1970 to 1972. He served on the Hanford City Council from 1973 to 1980 and again from 1990 to 1994, during which he was appointed mayor. He has been on the school board since 2004.

"Bob was very active in community functions and very active as a board member," said William Fishbough, superintendent of Hanford Joint Union High School District. "This is a great loss. Our thoughts and prayers go with his family. Bob always put kids first. And the question he always asked is what's in the best interest of the students."

Hill was born Dec. 14, 1938 in Long Beach, but the family was living in Hanford at the time.

He graduated from Hanford Union High School in 1956, before attending the College of the Sequoias. He earned a bachelor's degree from California State University, Fresno in 1962.

He went on active duty in the U.S. Army from 1957 to 1959. Upon his release from his post with Army Intelligence at the Pentagon, he returned to Hanford.

Hill later worked as an administrative assistant to the city manager of Saratoga and then became city manager of Corcoran. He later held the position of city manager in Manteca.

He broke from the public eye in 1969 to work as an insurance underwriter for New York Life Insurance Co.

Eventually, Hill worked with one of his hobbies: cars. In 1973, he purchased the Chevrolet franchise in Hanford, and sold it in 2001.

In April he was inducted into the College of the Sequoias "Hall of Fame."

He loved hunting and motorcar racing, as well as classic car shows.

Hill is survived by his wife since 1959, Catherine Robinson; four children, Terri Northington, Cindy Netto, Jeff and Chris Hill; and 10 grandchildren.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2423.

(Dec. 7, 2008)