For Immediate Release: April 28, 2006
Contact:
Keith P. McKeever | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 891-4050
RAY BROOK, NY - The Adirondack Park Agency celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 28, 2006 by planting a tree in honor of Mr. Donald W. "Bunker" Hill. Mr. Hill, a dedicated public servant whose career spanned thirty years, died on January 21, 2006.
Mr. Hill served as a land surveyor for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. He transferred from the Department to the Adirondack Park Agency where he worked diligently in the Regulatory Programs Division until he retired in 1991. During his time with the Agency, Mr. Hill reviewed projects and wrote hundreds of permits. His colleagues remember him as a charismatic, caring individual who always smiled and brightened their day.
Mr. Hill was born in Richfield Springs, NY. He graduated from the New York State Ranger School in 1958. In 1959, he entered the U.S. Army and served with the First Cavalry Division in Korea. In 1963, he was honorably discharged.
Bunker was someone who enjoyed people and easily made friends. He loved the outdoors. In his leisure time, he hunted and fished. He was a life member of the Albert A. Gonyea Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #3357 Saranac Lake, a member of the Richfield Springs American Legion Post #616 and the Whiteface Lodge #789 Free & Accepted Masons. He was also very artistic. Bunker painted scenery and wild animals on slate and saws. He was well known for two volumes of comic books that he wrote and illustrated.
To all that knew him he will always be remember for his warm smile and friendly demeanor.
The tree planting took place in the Adirondack Arboretum at the Agency’s headquarters in Ray Brook. Annually, the Arboretum is used to honor those who contributed positively to the Park and to the Agency.