Russell Hillman

Russell Hillman

Educator and Payson Mayor

PHS Class of 1946

Russell, or "Russ," as many of his friends knew him, grew up in Payson. He attended Payson schools and graduated from Payson High School in 1946. At PHS, Russ excelled at sports--baseball, basketball, and track-and-field--and ultimately entered Brigham Young University on a football scholarship. While at BYU, Russ was a member of the basketball team that won the 1951 National Invitational Tournament, played at Madison Square Garden in New York City. After three years in the United States Army, Russ returned to Utah where he coached basketball at Fillmore and Lehi High School.

Soon thereafter, Russ moved his family to California, where he worked as a physical education teacher in the Beverly Hills Unified School District. He was respected by students, parents, and colleagues as a dedicated educator and administrator during his 30 years working for BHUSD. During summers, Russ and his family were involved with youth camps. First at Circle K Ranch in Colorado and later he co-owned and ran the Rockin' R Ranch in Antimony, Utah.

When Russ retired from teaching in California, he returned to his hometown of Payson. It quickly became clear that Russ's retirement would be in name only. After moving to Payson, he soon launched a successful run for a seat on the Payson City Council, where he served for two years, after which he was elected to a four-year term as Mayor. During his tenure as mayor of Payson City, Russ was chosen as Utah's Outstanding Elected Official of the Year in 1997. After his term as mayor ended, Russ was not finished with public service, spending several years on the local staff of Congressman Chris Cannon as a field representative working with elected officers and staff around the state. Russ was an enthusiastic participant in civic activities, including as past president of the Payson chapter of Lions' Club, and as a member of numerous civic boards and organizations. The Hillman Fields baseball complex was named in his honor.

Inducted 2001