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NEGAUNEE - Garrett Lee "Butch" Hill, 41, of 114 W. Peck St., Negaunee, died at 1:10 p.m. on Friday, September 23, 2011, at Bell Hospital following a lengthy illness.

Garrett was born January 11, 1970, in Appleton, Wis., to Gary and Susan (Baka) Hill, and grew up in Negaunee where he met a group of friends in middle school that became lifetime buddies. He graduated from Negaunee High School in 1988. While attending high school he worked at the Negaunee Senior Center. Butch's true love came through on the football field. He was an All-Star defensive back for the Negaunee Miners and was also an excellent wide receiver.

Butch completed 3 years at Northern Michigan University in the criminal justice program. During his schooling he was employed at Jilbert Dairy and had his dream job, Assistant Coach for the Miners under Coach Dick Koski. He coached a winning team and never forgot about his players and that time in his life. Following his schooling at NMU, he was employed at the Baraga State Prison.

Butch lived with adversity most of his life. He was the kindest, strongest and bravest man you could ever meet. He always thought and cared about others, no matter what was happening in his own life.

For Butch, first came the Miners, then the Minnesota Vikings and then the New York Rangers. In the off season, Butch enjoyed playing cribbage.

He is very proud of his 2 nephews who are on the Miner football team: Zachary Makela and Austin Hill. He is also very proud of his nephew Cameron Ladue, who is a budding track star in North Dakota.

Surviving are his parents; 2 sisters, Alicia Makela of Negaunee and Tammy (Ed) Ladue of North Dakota; his paternal grandmother, Elaine Shauger of Wakefield; 4 nephews, Zachary Makela, Austin Hill, Cameron and Christopher Ladue; 3 nieces, Brooke, Hailey and Katelyn Hill. Garrett was preceded in death by his brother, Michael Hill on Aug. 18, 2011, and his maternal grandmother, Betty Hockin.

Butch will be sadly missed by everyone who knew and loved him. The family would like to thank his lifelong friends, Ray Champion, Dave Makela, Cal and Barb, and also Dr. Michael Grossman for always being there for him.

At the family's request, a small gathering for friends and family to celebrate Butch's life will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29 at the Koskey Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.koskeyfuneralhome.com.