The following is a release from King County:

The Metropolitan King County Council paid its respects on Nov. 7 to the late State Sen. Andy Hill, who lost his battle with cancer on Oct. 31. The Council recognized Hill for his work not only as a legislator who worked across party lines, but as a father, soccer coach and tireless advocate for those who are developmentally disabled and those who have battled and survived cancer. Hill represented Kirkland from the 45th District.

“Our community has lost a tremendous man and leader,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert. “Whether you knew him professionally, as a friend, or through his vast community involvement, he was someone who instantly earned the love and respect of those around him. His dedication to serving children in tutoring and in sports was truly inspiring and will leave a lasting legacy that transcends generations.”

“Senator Hill was a committed father, community advocate, and an effective public servant,” said Councilmember Claudia Balducci. “His passing will be felt throughout the Eastside and across the state. Our thoughts go out to his family.”

“Senator Andy Hill chose to pursue public service only after beating cancer previously. He put himself into his contributions to his community and state,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “My prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”

“Washington State lost a great leader with the death of Senator Andy Hill,” said Council Vice Chair Reagan Dunn. “His talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family.”

Hill moved to Washington to work for Microsoft and was part of the team that helped develop Windows 95. Hill was also involved in his community including his involvement with the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association and as a tutor in schools in his community.

Hill developed lung cancer in 2009 and fought it aggressively using cutting edge medical technology to cause the cancer to go into remission.

After the bout with Cancer, Hill ran for and won the Senate seat in the 45th Legislative District. In Olympia, Hill became the Chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee and was the principle writer of the state’s last two operating budgets. Education also remained an important part of Hill’s legislative life, serving as member of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee.

“As a state senator working with Sen. Hill from the time he first started as a freshman, I became impressed right away with his courage and willingness to stand up for his beliefs. A good example is his having voted for my medical marijuana licensing system legislation, even though his caucus leadership opposed it,” said Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles. “In addition, I was able to get to know Andy in a less formal way when we were part of a delegation promoting Washington state wine in Taiwan. A man of principle, high intellect, collegiality, and integrity, Sen. Andy Hill will be missed by all.”

“Senator Andy Hill was a man of family, faith and friends, and he was a credit to all of them,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “Andy truly believed in the saying that ‘you should spend the first part of your life learning, the second part of your life earning and the last part of your life serving.’ He will be missed.”

Hill is survived by his wife Molly and their three children.

“He represented the 45th District and everyone across our state as a Senator, with compassion, wisdom, and fairness as the hallmarks of his leadership. Our sympathies go out to his wife Molly, his children, his parents, and all who loved him,” Lambert said. “We are so blessed to have had Andy represent our district and our state for the past six years. He will be missed by so very many.”

The following is the King County Council declaration:

MEMORIAL

WHEREAS, Andy Hill was born in Denver, Colorado, and attended Colgate University where he graduated cum laude, and later earned his master’s degree in business administration from Harvard University; and

WHEREAS, Andy Hill moved to Washington in 1990 to work for Microsoft on the development of Windows 95 and educational platforms for schools; and

WHEREAS, ever devoted to his family and bettering his community, Andy Hill served as president of his local PTSA, president of the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association, coached soccer, and provided tutoring in schools; and

WHEREAS, in 2009 despite never having smoked, Andy Hill was diagnosed with lung cancer; and

WHEREAS, with the support of family and friends, Andy Hill beat cancer into remission by participating in a cutting edge clinical trial, leading him to formally pursue his passion for public service; and

WHEREAS, Andy Hill was first elected to the Washington State Senate in 2010 to represent the 45th Legislative District, which includes the communities of Redmond, Woodinville, Kirkland, Sammamish and Duvall; and

WHEREAS, Senator Hill served as chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, a member of the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Education Committee, and chief budget architect for the two most recent operating budgets; and

WHEREAS, on October 31, 2016, State Senator Andy Hill, of the 45th Legislative District, lost his battle with cancer; and

WHEREAS, as we mourn his passing let us remember and celebrate Senator Andy Hill for his quiet intellect, his good humor, his love of family, his constituent advocacy, his work on behalf of people with developmental disabilities, and his tireless advocacy for those like him, who were fighting and surviving cancer;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the King County Executive and King County Council, recognize and memorialize THE HONORABLE ANDY HILL for his leadership and service to the people of the State of Washington. We offer sincere condolences and support to his wife Molly, their children and other family members, friends and colleagues.

DATED this seventh day of November, 2016.