February 22, 1930 - November 17, 2020
We share the following to honour our Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather, (Oliver) Bert Hill, who unexpectedly but peacefully went to be with his Heavenly Father, on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020, at the bright age of 90.
Bert was the son of a blacksmith and music teacher, the late Oliver Bert and Mary Francis Hill (McCombs), of Foldens/Ingersoll, Ontario. Bert is predeceased by his siblings Earl Hill (Grace), Leona White (Al), Carl Hill (Irene), Les Hill (Mary), Ken Hill (May), Alvin Hill (Violet), Helen Knussmann (Melvin), June Hill, and dear sister, Mary Robinson. He is survived by his remaining sibling, brother Archie Hill (Grace), his extended family in Ontario, his five children, nine grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren, in B.C. and the U.S.
Born February 22, 1930, Dad's young life was not easy working in tobacco fields at the age of eight during the Great Depression. His love for cars led him into sales, and West to B.C. in his Packard in 1957. It was here he fell in love and married a Nanaimo girl (Eileen), and started a family.
Dad began his long and successful career selling insurance and Real Estate in the early 60's, helping other prominent agents start the MLS system in Nanaimo and, over the course of his history as either partner, owner, and/or agent with Block Bros., Newcastle, Home, Leaf, and Nanaimo Realty was involved in the design/development of many of the original subdivisions in and around the city.
He eventually retired from the industry over a half century later after being the Owner/Broker of Island West Realty on Gabriola Island and in Nanaimo.
Dad was a hard worker. He knew what it meant to earn a day's wage, the value and meaning of a firm handshake and looking you in the eye when having a conversation; all of which and more, he instilled in those around him.
He often jumped in to help others fix their troubles, and was an expert when it came to home repair, or vehicle, boat, plane, and motorcycle engines. His helpfulness extended beyond family and friends into the Nanaimo community through Sherman tank instruction, working with Kiwanis, serving at his local church, and as a long-time member of the local RCMP Auxiliary (retired).
For recreation and fun, Dad enjoyed flying his Cessna floatplane, billiards, golfing, and fishing, and his time as a long-haul trucker gave him the traveling bug that led to thousands of miles traveled throughout Canada and the United States to visit friends and family. He also held a long and successful competitive motocross racing legacy that he shared with his eldest son and fellow racer, Dennis.
Dad loved Big Band music, and was an excellent dancer. His sarcasm, humor, the mischievous grin that lasted beyond his last breath, and personal slang were, and still are, qualities that made Dad memorable and the life of any gathering. Dad's feisty spirit, well-roundedness, sharp memory, and intelligent conversations that lasted until the end will be deeply missed but will certainly live on through his descendant's lives.
Although certain family connections were forced to an end in the 1960's, he communicated his true heart and good intentions and rebuilt those lost connections later in life. Bert's three eldest children, Dennis (Starla), Darlene (Roger), and Katherine (Garry), Grand Children, Taylor (Mariah), Kennedy (Graham), Sheridan (Josh), Kevin and Jessica and Great Grand Children Aurora and Theodore published this notice to finally see a celebration of the unique life he lived, the echoes of which will surround all and give frequent reasons to smile and reflect on all that he gave and sacrificed to be present in our lives.
We love you, Dad. We'll miss you, but this is just "till we meet again". So, carry on, "Easy Rider #22". The wedge no longer hinders you. The walls no longer hold you. You are free to exist as you decide. Enter into your rest...