Frank Theodore Hill (Teddy), 72, of Warren, passed away unexpectedly on July 22 at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport. Teddy was born Jan. 13, 1944, son of Niilo and Elizabeth (Oxton) Hill in Rockland.
Teddy attended Warren schools and spent his life in Warren fixing anything from motor-driven bicycles and motorcycles to muscle cars. He was employed at Stetson’s Saab for 40 years as a Saab repair specialist; he developed many innovations and techniques to decrease vehicle shop repair time. Some of his innovations that were not available for garages included his frame straighteners and engine/transmission repair devices. Many of these items could have been patented.
Many of his early years were spent on the Saab race car circuit, he was the one to beat. Teddy was a tough competitor in part due to a combination of his stubborn determination, aggressiveness, and daring maneuvering skills, supplemented by his ability to set his car up for a specific task. Teddy was an avid racer and raced the minis at Unity, Wiscasset, Speedway 95 and Beach Ridge Speedway, winning many races. He also ice raced in the winter time, winning the National Ice Racing Championship in Lake George, N.Y.
He was very active in retirement, he had many irons in the fire. On his property he set up a saw mill and cut many board feet of lumber for future projects. He did every kind of repair in his garage and created carvings for family and friends. As a getaway he loved going with his wife, Brenda, and dogs to his place in Brownville.
Teddy also enjoyed camping and being with his grandchildren and any other kids that were there. He especially enjoyed teaching them how to ice fish, cut down trees and other things. He also loved his dogs Maki and Misty and will be missed.
Teddy is predeceased by daughter Suzie; father, Niilo Hill; and mother, Elizabeth Hill.
He is survived by wife, Brenda of Warren; daughter, Sharon Hill; siblings, Ivan and Polly, Norman and Dianne of Friendship, Rodney and Jeanne of Bangor, Daryl, twins Anthony and Timothy, and Edward of Warren; grandchildren, Deborah and Dave Lash, Scott Vannah, and Justin Larrabee and girlfriend Ashliee; great-grandchildren, Ian Vannah, Abigail Moran and Connor Larrabee; brother-in-law, Stanley Robinson and wife Bonnie; and many nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Fri., July 29 at Post Cemetery off of Western Road in Warren.
Donations may be made to the Pope Memorial Humane Society of Knox County, P.O. Box 1294, Rockland, ME 04841.
To extend online condolences, light a candle in memory of Teddy, or to share a story or picture, please visit his Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.
Hall’s of Waldoboro has care of the arrangements.
