Obituary of Ronald Grant Hill
Ronald Grant Hill of Blackfalds, Alberta, passed away at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre on September 6th, 2023, at the age of 81 years.
Ron was born in the September of 1942, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, to Ron and Muriel Hill. He spent his childhood at the lake swimming, boating, and “having good ol’ fashioned fun” as he would often say. During his young adult years, he became a hair stylist and won numerous awards and trophies. He was training to get his pilot’s license, but unfortunately didn’t complete it. He loved flying and wanted to go “one more time”, preferably at the controls.
In 1970, Ron married his wife Helenne, and together they built a life in Calgary, Alberta. It was here they were involved in the planning and building of the two homes where they raised their three children, Tara, Danni, and Robin. Ron received his Red Seal as a Refrigeration Mechanic and over the years, was a business owner of two companies – Dantara Refrigeration and Country Cool Refrigeration. His children have fond memories of “going to work with Dad” on some of his jobs (training for taking over the business!). His work ethic and dedication to his customers was shown through his relationships and sense of community. His favourite holidays were spent camping and boating, preferably in BC. In 2002, Ron and Helenne moved to the farm where he enjoyed living the country life, near the river and wildlife in the Eagle Hill area, northeast of Sundre. Ron loved taking pictures and we never threw a single one out. He did pictures for music album covers for our friend Jan Lewan. Ron also loved recording music on reel to reel, cassettes, and then CDs, sometimes making triple copies. He was an artist, always drawing on napkins or making proper pencil art and oil painting landscapes.
Ron was devoted to keeping his father’s legacy as a gun collector. Over the years, he taught his children and grandchildren the importance of gun safety and the history that was passed down. Ron spent many of his years with numerous gun clubs; performing in western gun shows. One year he was on the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Stage and fired the gunshot that began the show. For 10 years he spent all the days of the Stampede involved in the “gunfights” in Weadickville on the Stampede grounds and in downtown Calgary at Rope Square and Olympic Plaza. He also had a part in the movie “Gunsmoke – Return to Dodge”. You have to look very closely as much of it ended up on the cutting room floor, but he was there.
In 2014, Ron and Helenne moved to Blackfalds to be more central to family. The youngsters of the family were able to witness his great sense of humour and the endless love he had for his family. He was always finding ways to instigate getting himself and them in trouble. Ron enjoyed much of the community in Blackfalds, with wonderful neighbours and unexpected friendships.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by Helenne, his wife of 53 years; children Tara, Danielle, and Rob; grandchildren Michaela, Matthew, Hope, Ben, and Clara; and his great-grandsons Hansen and Cohen, who have fond memories of the special experiences that Ron gave them. Ron also leaves behind many friends and family who will not forget the unique impact he had on each of them. Ron is predeceased by his parents, Muriel and Ronald Hill; his brother Richard; and his sister-in-law Dorothy.
A private family service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre or any other charity of your choice. Condolences to Ron’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Hill” in the subject line.
My Way ~ Elvis Presley
“And now the end is near,
So, I face the final curtain.
My friend, I’ll say it clear.
I’ll state my case, of which I’m certain:
I’ve lived a life that’s full,
I’ve travelled each and every highway,
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.”
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944