August 10, 1956 �" August 28, 2015
John Eric Hill passed away in San Francisco on August 28, 2015 after a long battle with cancer. He was 59 years old. A visionary artist, self-taught Japanese translator and lifelong lover of Japanese culture, John was also a musician, trendsetter, and beloved uncle, brother, and friend.
Growing up as an artist in Memphis, Tennessee, John was a maverick. Conformity ran counter to his nature, though, and rather than strive to fit in, John expressed himself by playing in experimental rock bands like Panther Burns, teaching himself Japanese by ordering manga and Japanese Vogue through the local library, likely sporting the first mohawk in Memphis in the early 1980s, and creating avant-garde art. His adventurous spirit eventually led him to San Francisco, where he clearly belonged.
John connected with people everywhere he went. At the end of his life, he was especially close to his health advocate and friend, R. Ruth Linden; his health care provider, Robin E. McBride; and his friend and supporter, Ronaldo Madeira of Episcopal Community Services.
John is survived by two sisters, Joan and Jane Ann; a nephew, Trevor; two nieces, Cassandra and Olivia; and his grand-nephew, Arlo.
A memorial was held for John on September 4.