Ivan Robert Hill's Obituary
Ivan Robert Hill peacefully passed away in his home on May 27, 2026. He was born March 9, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Mason and Leone Hill. Ivan was an only child and was lovingly spoiled by his sweet mom, grandmother, and doting aunts. Ivan graduated from South High School prior to serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Austria and Switzerland. After his mission, Ivan graduated from the University of Utah. He met his eternal sweetheart and wife of 65 years, Gay Alvey, at the University of Utah Institute of Religion. He was instantly smitten and married her six months later.
Before his 20-year career of owning his own insurance agency, Ivan worked as an apprentice in the sheet metal shop for Pan American Airlines, as a warden for the Fish and Game Department, and then started his insurance career with Trans America.
As a faithful and life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Ivan served as Scout Master, Elders Quorum President, Bishop, High Counselor, and Seminary teacher. Ivan and Gay together served missions at Martin's Cove in Wyoming and Intermountain Medical Center in Murray, Utah.
Ivan loved celebrating holidays and birthdays, especially Christmas, when he would often present his grandchildren with hand-made toys and puzzle boxes, elaborate treasure hunts with original poems, and the statement "If you leave hungry, it's your own fault!"
Ivan shared his love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren, especially hunting, fishing, boating, and golfing. Favorite memories of his children and grandchildren included countless trips to Lake Powel and Strawberry Reservoir, stories about Whitey - the candy obsessed bunny, and Grandpa reading the Christmas story from Luke 2. A consummate conversationalist, Ivan never met a stranger, and everyone was his neighbor. In his later years, Ivan became the neighborhood favorite of all the local dogs, who made sure their daily walks included a trip to his porch where he would pass out dog treats and ice cream cones for their owners.
Ivan is survived by his dear wife, Gay Hill, children Bradley (Holli) Hill, Robyn (Bill) Colbert, and Daniel (Christie) Hill. He was preceded in death by his eldest son, David Hill, and grandson Josh Pectol. He is the grandfather to thirteen and great-grandfather to six, with more on the way.
Memorial services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel at 8060 South 615 East, Midvale, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, June 5, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Visitation will resume the following morning, on Saturday, June 6, from 9:30am to 10:45am, preceding the funeral service from 11:00am to 12:00pm.
Following the funeral service, interment will be at 12:30pm at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery, 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.
What’s your fondest memory of Ivan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ivan?
Share a story where Ivan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ivan you’ll never forget.
How did Ivan make you smile?

