Obituary of Gerald William Hill

Gerald William Hill 1932-2020 Gerry died peacefully in Ottawa on November 20 in his 88th year. He was predeceased by his son Alan in 1992 and his wife Shirley in 2015. He is survived by his daughters Mary Louise, Janet {Eli Tobali) and Margaret (Brent Carty), and by his grandchildren Samuel, Benjamin (Andrea), Emily, Megan, Stephanie and Madison. He is also survived by his brothers Bill (Lori) and Rick {Linda) and predeceased by his mother Florence {1978) and sisters Alice {1950) and Donna {1969). Gerry was born in Chatham Ontario and graduated from high school in Blenheim. He met his wife Shirley in Whitby and they were married in 1955. Gerry's career with the Bank of Montreal involved many promotions and transfers that took him and his growing family to Toronto, Windsor, Belleville, North Bay and Kingston before they finally settled in Ottawa in 1971. During the 1970's, Gerry was instrumental in starting the program to provide funding for elite amateur athletes so they could train and travel to International events. This included local athletes representing Canada at the Montreal Olympics in 1976. Gerry was a high school athlete and was active in sports for many years. When younger he was a runner and played baseball and hockey. He remained an avid fan all his life. He continued to skate, cross country ski and bike until a few years ago. He enjoyed canmping, fishing and boating, and shared these passions with his family. Every year Gerry made a backyard skating rink and he taught each of his kids how to skate and handle a hockey stick soon after they learned to walk. He continued this tradition with his grandchildren. Gerry will be missed by his daughters and grandchildren, as well as his extended family and many friends. The family thanks Hillel Lodge for their care during Gerry's last few years. We would also like to give special thanks to Tom for his support, care and friendship the past two years as well as all of those who stepped in to help Gerry stay in his own home for as long as possible. Due to the pandemic no Funeral Service is planned at this time. A Private Family Remembrance will be scheduled at a later date.