Contoocook, NH – Loren George Hill passed away October 19th, 2025 and will be laid to rest within a family plot in Iowa. A Celebration of Life will be held in Iowa and locally at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Concord, NH on September 19th, 2026 at 2:00pm.
Loren was born March 31st, 1948 in Lake Preston, SD to Raymond Leslie Hill and Marilyn June (Hay) Hill. He spent his early years in Erwin, SD, graduating Valedictorian from Erwin High School in 1966. Loren attended South Dakota State University, earning a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Science/Geography. He led student expeditions as Geography Club Leader to State and National parks. Loren’s advocacy led to Geography being offered as a major; Loren was the first to graduate from SDSU with such degree and initiated scholarships for budding geographers. Loren accompanied his grandmother on a trip East, later settling in Concord, NH. His love of photography facilitated accompanying ex-wife, Ann Davis, as a writer/reporter team in the Northeast. Loren further studied photography while serving as Professor of Geography at the Art Institute of Boston. It’s here where he met lifelong friends, Annette Dupon and Kevin Kraus, becoming family and mentor to their children, Aidan and Cole Kraus.
Loren was a constant presence at the UU Church of Concord, serving as Prudential Chair, Librarian/Historian, Special Friends Program, Building and Grounds, and varied committees. He received the Lifetime Volunteer Award for his attention to countless projects, coaching/supporting the church softball team, caring for fields, and organizing monthly Games and Chocolate group, combining his love of chocolate and playing dice/board games while visiting alongside friends. Church friends, Jenn and Skylar Star, Jim Curley, and Bonnie Argeropoulos shared countless special moments together.
Loren continued his travels and mentorship as a chaperone for the UU Church’s youth group to areas hit by natural disasters. His love of geography took him to Russia, China, Chile, England, Europe, and Canada. Despite these travels, Loren was most at home at Rolfe Pond in Contoocook, NH, where for 30-years, he hand-fed generations of geese, monitored bats living in his handmade bat-house, and lived alongside frogs, toads, turtles, the stars and moon, and changing seasons.
Loren shared stories wherever he was of his growing years on the family farm, trips with his geography club at SDSU, softball games, robotic tournaments, family reunions, and visits west – back to his roots. He was a staunch advocate for the unhoused, ally of many, and exemplary steward of our Earth – quietly living by example. Loren honored many with genuine inquisition, giving his time and complete attention to each in his presence. His knack for sending the most relevant cards, themed word searches, and comics to family and friends will remain unparalleled. We’ll remember his smile, laugh, stories, kindness, and trusted friendship.
Loren is survived by brother, Leslie (Audrey) Hill [OR], and sister, Cindy Hill [IA]; Nieces: Jennifer Schrank [WA], Mary Lou Anderson [TN]; Nephews: Paul Hill [OR], Stephen (Kelly) Hill [OR], James Chitty [IA]; Great Nieces: Vivia Schrank [WA], Tiffany Nguyen [MN]; Great Nephews: Blair Schrank [WA], Torin Schrank [WA], Quinn (Naomi) Schrank [MT], Logan Grimes [OR], Tim Nguyen [IA]; Aunt: Grace Stucke [SD]. He was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, Bill Geiser [OR], sister, Carol Chitty [IA], and nephew, Aaron Hill [OR].
Contributions in Loren’s name can be made to the UU Church of Concord, NH’s Memorial Garden or the SDSU Geography Scholarship.
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