Victor Lamar Shill

Victor Lamar Shill often called “Vic”, “Lamar”, “Sonny, “Papa Sonny”, “Papa”, “Grandpa”, and “Dad”, passed on the morning of July 5, 2025, at the age of 91.  He was one day short of his 92nd birthday.  He was born to his parents Victor David and Olive Eve Nielsen Shill and is the oldest brother to his sister Maureen and brother Norman. He was born in his home in Phoenix, AZ on July 6, 1933, and lived most of his life in Mesa, Arizona. Over the course of his life, Vic designed and built 5 homes that he raised his family in.

Vic’s creativity and innovative nature has been evident throughout his life. As a child, he loved making model airplanes and soap box derby cars. His interest in innovation and design influenced his love of cars and his decision to become a pilot as an adult. In addition to these hobbies, he developed a talent for photography and film, embracing new technologies as they were available throughout his life; he was as familiar with a super 8 as he was to a digital camera.

Vic first met his future wife Patsy at a Mesa High School dance in his senior year. He had a job delivering newspapers on a 50-mile route, and when he found out that Patsy’s house was on his daily route, he saw an opportunity to get to know her better. He began following her afternoon school bus so he could give her a ride to her house while he delivered newspapers. Often, she would choose to drive with him the rest of his paper route so they could be together longer. They were later married on November 7, 1952. Vic said Patsy was his “special angel set from heaven above”.

Three years after his marriage, Vic graduated from Arizona State Collage now known as Arizona State University, with a B.S. degree in architecture and industrial drafting. In 1963, after his eight-year apprenticeship, he started his own business V.L. Shill Architect, which was later changed to Shill, Judd, Richards, and Associates. From 1963 to 1996 when he retired, his architectural firm had completed over 800 building projects in Arizona and New Mexico. Of these 800, they did 96 Elementary Schools, 76 Jr. and High Schools, 20 University projects, 158 church buildings, over 36 City of Mesa municipal projects, and many medical and financial buildings.

For over 70 years, Vic attended church weekly and served in various roles, including two missions. He looked to and loved his Savior, Jesus Christ. His example and unconditional love were evident to all that knew him.

Vic accomplished so much throughout his life. However, the role that he was most proud of was his role as a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. After marrying Patsy, he became a father to four sons and one daughter: Mike, Wayne, Mark, Curt and Tracy. Vic loved to be around his family and dedicated his time and talents to building and maintaining connections with each member of his family; every year for Christmas, he would provide an updated Shill family tree and complete list of family addresses.

Vic is survived by his brother Norman, as well as his five children Mike, Wayne, Mark, Curt, and Tracy and their spouses Barbara, Babetta, Carolyn, Bonnie, Lori, and Greg. He has 21 grandchildren and 31 great grandchildren with 4 more great grandchildren expected by the end of 2025. Those that had passed on before his death were his parents Victor David Shill and Olive Eve Nielsen Shill, his sister Olive Maurine Shill, and his wife Patsy Shill, and his daughter-in-law Julie Shill.

A viewing will start at 10:30 am, followed by a funeral service which will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2220 North Harris, Mesa, Arizona, 85203.  The service is open to friends and family. The committal service will be held at 9:00 am July 14th, 2025, at the Mesa Cemetery, 1212 North Center Street, Mesa, Arizona, 85201.

If you are unable to attend the service, please click on the following link to livestream the service: https://zoom.us/j/98260649456#success

Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.