Dr. Christopher Vaughan Hill Obituary (1953

Dr. Christopher Vaughan Hill, 71, passed away on March 4, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah, immediately following a cardiac event. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, scholar, and friend, he leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, global engagement, and deep personal connections. Born on April 14, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Christopher's academic journey was marked by a profound dedication to history and higher education. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah before pursuing his master’s degree and Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. His enthusiasm for learning and teaching led him to a distinguished career. He taught at James Madison University in Virginia, the College of Wooster in Ohio, Hyderabad University in India, Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, and Semester at Sea. He retired in 2017 as Professor Emeritus of Asian and Environmental History at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs after nearly 25 years. He also loved and studied Environmental History of the American West. Christopher received numerous awards for teaching and research. As a Fulbright scholar and proud alumnus of Dacca and Lahore American Schools, Christopher’s influence, wisdom and mentorship were valued by classmates, colleagues and students around the world. Christopher was a man of many passions. He was an ardent sports fan and particularly followed teams from Virginia, Colorado, and Utah. He had an aficionado’s love for rock and roll music like no other. He was an author and avid reader. He was an eager traveler and was most happy when there was a family trip on the horizon. A true Renaissance man, he embraced life with intellectual vigor and respect for other cultures. More than anything else, Christopher was a citizen of the world—his friendships spanned continents, reflecting his deep appreciation for diverse perspectives and experiences. Christopher married the love of his life, Carol Elizondo, on June 29, 1974. They were devoted best friends and were by each other’s side for every accomplishment, adventure, and hardship. Carol Hill survives him along with their two sons Alexander Burns and Andrew Hill; daughter-in-law Rosemary Peters-Hill; grandsons Julian and Nathanael Peters-Hill; brother Anthony Hill; sisters-in-law Irene; Judy (LeRoy) and Lenore (Jim); nephews Joel (Adena), Justin, Ryan, Joseph, and David (Liz); nieces Adena (Will) and Kristy; cousins Linda, Tracy and Jason; grandnephews Raffy, AJ, Noam, and Elyan; grandnieces Maddie, Daphna, and Izabelle; as well as his aunt Maureen, cousin Lindsay, and other members of his biological family. He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph and Patricia Hill; maternal grandmother Annie Walton; aunt Helen; uncle Walter; cousin Colleen; parents-in-law Ralph and Connie Elizondo; brother-in-law Joseph; sisters-in-law Gloria and Connie, and nephew Nickolai. Christopher touched countless lives through his scholarship, friendship, and unwavering deep love for his family. His memory will continue to inspire all who knew him throughout his amazing life. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home in Salt Lake City (372 East 100 South). Wear your favorite rock band tee shirt, if you would like. A reception will follow the service in the social hall at Kearns Saint Ann School (430 E 2100 South) from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Donations for the family are being accepted via PayPal [email protected] or Venmo @cvh87ceh – last four digits of phone: 9417.