For the first time, the PA Steelhead Association is honoring someone posthumously.  H. Daniel Hill (Dan), of Erie, died peacefully at home on Sunday, September 10, 2023. He was an avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman, but his friends remember Dan for his genuine kindness and his devotion to his family.

As a young boy, Dan was introduced to baseball and fell in love with the sport. He was a pitcher for the McDowell High School baseball team and went on to receive a scholarship to play baseball at Mercyhurst University.

A life-long learner, Dan won a competitive National Science Foundation Fellowship to study economics at the University of Georgia, where he received a master’s degree in economics. After graduating, he attended law school at Dickinson College, where he earned his J.D. He practiced law in Erie for many years before changing career paths and opening a small fly-fishing business, specializing in repairing Pfleuger Medalist reels.

Throughout his life, Dan was a courageous fly fisherman and enjoyed traveling to remote locations such as Bolivia, Brazil, and Eastern Russia. He also went to great lengths to share his passion and knowledge with his loved ones. A man of numerous hobbies, Dan also adored birding, music, cooking, and spending time with all animals, great and small.

In 2005, Dan married the love of his life, Colleen McCarthy, with whom he shared countless adventures and laughs.

Dan was well-known for his knowledge of fishing and his willingness to share it with others.  He was regarded by people who knew him as the nicest, kindest person you would ever meet.  Dan Hill was a special person who is still sadly missed by so many people!