Hill, Robert William

HILL, ROBERT WILLIAM February 21st, 1923 - December 28th, 2005 "Year of The Veteran" One or the other must leave, One or the other must stay, One or the other must grieve, That is forever the way. . . That is the way the vow was sworn, Faithful'til death do us part. Braving what had to be borne, Hiding the ache in the heart. . . One, however adored, First must be summoned away. That is the way of the Lord One or the other must stay. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert William Hill, on Wednesday, December 28, 2005 after a lengthy illness. Bob died at St. Joseph's Hospital, in the presence of his loving family. Born in Fort William, February 21, 1923 to Alma and Barney Hill, Bob was one of seven children. He attended local schools, and worked briefly before enlisting in the Navy, during which time he met Betty Simpson, his future bride. Bob and Betty married in East Saint John, New Brunswick, June 12, 1946 and then moved to Fort William where their six children were born. 'Bob enjoyed a long career as a Stationary Engineer, working his way from 4th class to 1st class Engineer, with positions at Great Lakes Paper, Canada Car, Lakehead University, and St. Joseph's General Hospital, where he retired as Chief Engineer and Head of Maintenance. In early years he was active in the International Union of Operating Engineers, and in later years Bob's many involvements included the Thunder Bay Naval Association, St. Luke's Anglican Church, E-Z-Duz-It Curling, bowling, and volunteering with Shelter House and CNIB. An amazing handyman, Bob's countless accomplished projects were part of ongoing home and camp improvements and renovations. Summers were spent out at camp on East Floral Beach where Bob enjoyed bonfires, singsongs, rousing games of Bocci Ball, and many evenings of energetic board games with family and friends. 'Predeceased by his parents and siblings Mary Ellen, George ('Hebes') and Margaret (Lewis). Survived by brothers Joe, Pat and Bruce and their families. Missing him dearly will be Betty, his wife of 59 years and his children; Brooke Carfagnini, Robin (Nancy Kot), Laurie (Bryan Wyatt), Jan Busniuk (Mike Busniuk), Allison and Marty (Judi Bedard). Saying good-bye to their cherished'Gramps' are Jessica and Greg Carfagnini, Christopher and Carly Hill, Felicity Wyatt, Jake, Katie and Molly Busniuk, Evan Neufeld, Nathan and Leslie Hill, and Paul Goodwin. Also missed by Tony Carfagnini, Laurie Gillespie, Rod Neufeld, Myrna Holman and Bonnie Yule. 'Funeral services will be held at St. Luke's Anglican Church (corner of Cameron and McKenzie streets), Monday, January 2, 2006 at 11 am, conducted by Reverend Judie Cooper. Memorial donations may be made to the Thunder Bay Naval Association Heritage Fund or St. Joseph's Care Group. 'Crossing the Bar Sunset and evening Star And one clear call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar When I put out to sea, But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too full for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again to home. Twilight and evening bell, And after that the dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho' from out of our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have cross'd the bar. -Alfred Tennyson