Terrance Woodrow Hile
Jan 13, 1937 -
Aug 7, 2022
Lifelong Anchorage, Alaska, resident Terrance "Terry" W. Hile, 85, died on Aug. 7, 2022, at Maple Springs Assisted-Living in Anchorage with family at his side. His death was due to complications from Parkinson 's disease. He was born on Jan. 13, 1937, in Anchorage at the Railroad Hospital. He was the son of Woodrow "Woody" and Valerie (Coxey) Hile. Terrance graduated from Anchorage High School in 1955.
As a teenager, Terry worked for his family's business, Anchorage Laundry and Cleaners. He then worked for Northwest Airlines as a mechanic's helper before beginning his apprenticeship in the plumbing trade in 1962. He was a member of the United Association of Plumber's and Steamfitter's Local Union No. 367 in Anchorage, specializing in pneumatic controls for most of his career. He finished his long career in the trades working for the Anchorage School District maintenance department before retiring in 2001. After retirement, he spent his summers at the family cabin at Big Lake with his partner Brenda Bradison until his illness prevented him to do so any longer.
Growing up in Anchorage, Terry enjoyed winter sports and activities, such as hockey, skiing and snowmachining. He participated in several snowmachine races in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and played hockey well into his 50s. He spent many years at the Big Lake cabin, where he enjoyed water skiing, fishing, boating and rowing. Additionally, he enjoyed motorsports, owning one of the fastest street rods in Anchorage in the late 1950s. To celebrate his 70th birthday, he participated in a Petty Racing Experience, driving a NASCAR race car at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He took great pride in staying in good physical shape, which was usually maintained by riding his road bike, mountain bike or stationary bike, and taking long walks. Terry was most happy when he adorned his blue coveralls and was working on some form of building project at home or the cabin. He also enjoyed detailing his cars, boat and other recreational vehicles keeping them in showroom condition.
He is survived by his partner of 20 years, Brenda Bradison; sons, Mark (Keri) Hile, Larry (Debi McKeever) Hile, Gary (Lynda) Hile; stepdaughters, Kari Oakley (Kevin Nolen), Kecia Oakley (Brent Redmond); grandchildren, Nathan (Kateryna) Hile, Lucas Hile, Logan Hile, Carson Hile, Ben Gratrix-Kontul Sr. and Kira Bouwens (Jason Heinrichs); great-grandchildren, Olivia Hile, Tristan, Myah and Ben Jr. Kontul, Aric and Jaxson Heinrichs; and several loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and long term friends.
He was preceded in death by his late wife, Shirley (Oakley) Hile; first wife, Barbara "Rusty" Bliss; father, Woodrow Hile; mother and stepfather, Ross and Valerie Lowder; brother, Richard "Butch" Hile; aunt and uncle, Carl and Esther Williams; and cousin, Carl "CA" Williams.
At Terrance's request, there will be no service and his remains will be spread in Meadow Creek at Big Lake next spring. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to Friends of Pets, the American Cancer Society or other charity of your choice.
