Robert Vernon Hill, 61

Robert Vernon Hill, 61, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 2, 2007, in Cocolalla.Full military honors will be held on Friday, Aug. 10, 2007, at 10 a.m. at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Ore. A memorial potluck will be held at the VFW, 7118 SE Fern Ave, Portland on Saturday at 2 p.m.Robert was born on Feb. 9, 1946, in Portland, Ore., to Robert and Lois Hill. He grew up and attended schools in Portland graduating from David Douglas High School. Robert was affectionately known to his family as "Bim" and his friends called him "Froggy" because of his deep voice. Mr. Hill served his country by joining the United States Army as a gunner on a helicopter. He reenlisted three times during the Vietnam War and was highly decorated including three Purple Heart medals. He was honorably discharged on Jan.y 28, 1971, in Oakland, Calif., after nearly eight years of service.Robert married Marla Oney in 1964 in Portland, the marriage later ended in divorce, and in 1975 he married his second wife Gwen and they had one son R.J. Robert attended Mt. Hood Community College and Portland State University where he received his degree. During this time he worked as a machinist in Portland.In 2000, Robert visited North Idaho and fell in love with this "little patch of heaven." He purchased a little place near Cocolalla Lake and moved to "where the eagles soar."He belonged to the machinist union, and was an active member and past officer of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed golfing, watching television and drinking beer.He is survived by his son, R.J. Hill of Cocolalla; a sister, Joy Taylor of Portland, Ore.; three brothers, Bud (Judy) Hill and Scott (Teresa) Hill, both of Portland, and Jeff (JuDee) Hill of Pendleton, Ore.; seven grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins;, and special friend, Marla Rosenberg of Portland. He was preceded in death by his parents in 1969; a niece, Marcee; and brother-in-law, Chuck Taylor.Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Robert's memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his online guest book.