West Seattle native Stephen Hill, 47, died from natural causes Nov. 16 at his home in the Boston suburb of West Borough, Massachusetts where he'd resided for the past several years.

Born April 21, 1960, Mr. Hill grew up in West Seattle. He attended Jefferson Elementary and James Madison Jr. High before graduating from West Seattle High School in 1978. While at WSHS he was a member of the cross country, track and wrestling teams.

He joined the Navy following graduation and served 17 years, ending his career with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.

Along the way he spent 10 years in college, earning a bachelor's degree in economics at the University of Washington, a master's of science in Systems Technology at the Naval Post Graduate School and a bachelor's of science at Worcester State College in Massachusetts.

Mr. Hill's naval career included duty as a chief engineer aboard a frigate, electronics work on nuclear submarines and many other distinguished assignments. Naval honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Battle "E" Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Marksman M-14 and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. He was honorably discharged with a disability retirement.

After the Navy he worked as a tax professional and financial services advisor.

Mr. Hill is survived by a daughter, Stephanie in Massachusetts; his mother, Cora Hill of Ohio; his father, Clayton Hill of Seattle; a brother, Bryan Hill of Seattle and sisters Julie Smith of Ohio and Mary Robertson of Redmond.

According to Mrs. Robertson, her brother "loved to learn and always sought the opportunity to get a book on any new topic and learn about it. He always strived to better himself. He was an amazing father, son and brother and his presence will be greatly missed."

Because of his zeal for learning, the family suggests memorials to any charity that has to do with education and kids.