(HEATH-April 27, 2013) Retiring Heath City Councilman Bob Hille is truly an officer and a gentleman, as evidenced by a lifetime of service to God, country and community.
The 82-year-old will soon celebrate 59 years of marriage to his wife, Bobbie, about whom he says, “any discussion of my family starts with her; she is a wonder.” The Hille’s have five children, 11 grandchildren and one great grandchild. They’ve been Heath residents since 1993, having recently moved from their Rush Creek home to the Enclave at Buffalo Creek.
Bob Hille graciously agreed to let us honor him as part of our Good People profile series.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Hartford, CT, but raised in Coventry, a small town that celebrated its 300th anniversary last year. My wife grew up in a neighboring town. Our love for small towns never left us. Heath was the perfect choice.
HIGH SCHOOL/ALMA MATER:
Windham High School (1949), Willimantic, CT; University of Connecticut (1954); Baylor University (MHA 1969)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE / BACKGROUND:
Army (1954-1978; Colonel); Exec VP, COO, Baylor University Medical Center (18 years). As a young man, it wasn’t what I intended, but what a great life!
WHAT CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED IN?
Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, American College of Healthcare Executives (Life Fellow), Federal Health Care Executives Institute (Life Member), Heath City Council (10th year).
WHAT’S THE MOST INTERESTING JOB YOU’VE EVER HELD?
Executive VP, COO responsible for the five hospitals located on the Medical Center campus, four community hospitals and three specialty hospitals. As a system, these institutions accounted for 56,944 admissions and 351,000 patient days per year. Today, the Baylor Health Care system has grown far beyond these figures.
TOP THREE THINGS ON YOUR TO-DO LIST AS CITY COUNCILMAN?
Since I will not be running for reelection, I will not see the things on my list accomplished during my tenure, but they will come. They are: further development of our infrastructure (roads, water and sewer); attract desirable retail business to serve our community and provide a taxable source; and lastly, to expand our trail system.
HOBBIES?
Golf, leatherwork and genealogy.
ANY PETS?
We lost our Dalmatian at 15 years of age. While we love dogs and our son and his wife, both veterinarians, have tried to convince us otherwise, we have not replaced the General.
FAVORITE SPORTS/TEAMS?
I played basketball and football in high school and swam in college. I follow UCONN basketball, especially the women, and A&M football.
WHAT MIGHT OTHERS BE SURPRISED TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?
After high school, I went to work on the second shift in the American Screw Co. It quickly convinced me that that was not what I wanted to do for a living. I was going to go to college, somehow. I registered the second semester of that year.
WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
My 7th grade teacher, a Catholic nun, made a great impression on me. She seemed to be constantly after me. I begged my parents to allow me to change schools. Finally, they agreed with one stipulation: I had to talk to Sister Ann Rita. Oh, did they ever set me up. I was one scared kid. When it was over, I didn’t change schools and I came to realize that Sister was merely insisting that I work up to my ability. The importance of doing one’s best has stuck with me and I have that wonderful nun for teaching me that lesson.
To nominate someone for our Good People profile series, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
Q&A with retiring Heath City Councilman Bob Hille added by Editor on
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