OBITUARY FOR ROLAND HILL Roland Vernon Hill was born April 28, 1929 in the village of Loose, Kent County, England. He came to Canada September 1966 with his wife Julia, 3 daughters Rebecca, Rachel, Ruth and their dog McGregor. Roland and his family moved to Northeastern Ontario in 1967, then moved to Moose Crossing Farm in 1969. Thus began a career that lasted a span of 30 years, as a Bait and Tackle Shop Owner, Hunting and Fishing Guide, fur trapper, prospector, farmer, vegetable grower (especially his potatoes and turnips) and for a short spell a school bus driver. In all these, Roland met many people from all over the world. Whether you worked for a mining company, wanted a moose taken out of the bush, were looking for a guide for the best fishing hole, looking to buy a scout canoe, a fur hat, a bush swamper or just a dozen minnows you were blessed to have met him and maybe even lucky enough to be invited in for a spot of tea and something sweet. With his larger than life stories and sense of humour he was entertaining to say the least. In 1999, Roland and Julia moved to Rainy River in Northwestern Ontario where once again he made many friends, American and Canadian. He entertained many with his hunting and fishing stories and photo albums “The Book of Lies”. For the last 18 years Oak Grove Road was home where he enjoyed Lake of the Woods and Rainy River, his bush machine, tractor, garden ice shack, alpine rocks, dogs, and the deer. He became quite the birder, could always spot the rare birds. He was happy making and selling his rock inuksuk’s at the local Farmers Market in the Town of Rainy River and the Art Gallery in Fort Frances. Roland became a familiar sight at the border crossing into Baudette, Minnesota where he and Julia joined the early morning swimming group where Roland would chat and Julia would swim. He has many acquaintances in Baudette, one special friend was George Palm whom he would have breakfast with frequently and share jokes and special experiences with. In July Roland and Julia took one final trip to England where Roland unfortunately took ill. He was transferred to the Fort Frances Hospital where he spent the last two weeks. On September 29th, 2017 Roland passed away at the age of 88 years. Roland is survived by his wife Julia, daughters Rebecca (Yvon) Fortier, Rachel (Mark) Gadowski, Ruth Kirkey, grandchildren Daniel (Erica), Alison, Christina, Corey (Amanda), Alex and great grandchildren, Alyssa, Bentley and Levi. He is also survived by 3 sisters in Great Britain, Jean, Margaret (Clifford), Sally (Len), niece Inga, nephews Simon, Mark, Timothy, Donald, Charles, Tony, Christopher and families. Roland was predeceased by one sister, Joy and brother Roger. Roland will be sadly missed by his very good friend, George Palm, all his Oak Grove Road neighbours and friends, the Art Guild and the First Lutheran Church in Baudette and all his good friends in Northeastern Ontario. On behalf of our father, Roland, we would like to say a special thank you to the following: Dr. Mark Ruppenstein for being so caring and compassionate, all the staff at the LaVerendrye Hospital in Fort Frances for the great care provided, Jason at the Northridge Funeral Home for the wonderful service, all the ladies at the Mc Innes Creek Chapel for the nice tea, coffee and dainties, George Johnson for the beautiful outdoor service (Just like Dad wanted) and the sun just came out! Larry Budreau and the care takers for the burial. Everyone on Oak Grove Road for being there as well as guests from Minnesota including the Art Guild, Lake of the Woods and Northeastern Ontario. Thank you for all the flowers, food, cards and telephone calls received. In memory of Dad, donations to the Miners Memorial, Kirkland Lake would be greatly appreciated. Kirkland Lake Miners Memorial 175 Government Rd W Kirkland Lake, ON P2N 2E8