Obituary of Alfred Roland Hill

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, Alfred Hill of Calgary, at the Foothills Medical Centre with his beloved wife Jean at his side on Friday, June 3, 2005. Al was born in Okotoks, AB to Edwin Roland and Violet Elsie Griffiths Hill. His early years were spent in the Turner Valley, AB area where he grew up with his six siblings. This area was dear to Al’s heart all of his life as he developed an ardent interest in fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. After high school, Al spent some time working on the rigs until he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in February 1941. Later that year he married his childhood friend, Audrey Powell. He then went for overseas where he was stationed in the United Kingdom and completed several bombing missions over Europe. Al then returned as a Flying Officer and was stationed in Winnipeg, MB. After being discharged from the Air Force, Al moved to Richmond, BC with his wife and two young sons. He worked at the Shell Refinery for a few years. It was at this time he began his career in the construction industry. He then moved back to Calgary where he was one of the founding Partners in Built-Rite Construction and Logger Lumber. The firm later became Hill Homes. He participated with a group of builders to found Carma Developers. Al was one of the representatives from Calgary to organize the New Home Certification Program in Alberta. He briefly ventured into farming with three of his best friends where he created Rolling Hills Farms. He retired from the business world in the early 1980’s. One of Al’s primary hobbies was raising and racing pigeons. He was a founding member of the Calgary Racing Pigeon Club. For over fifty years his outstanding involvement with the club contributed to its success. He imported birds from Europe and was a top flyer for many years. In 1986 Al married Jean Kostiuk (Chmilar). They had a loving marriage of almost nineteen years. They loved beautifying their yard where Al learned how to grow roses. Over the years they travelled extensively in Canada and around the world. Their activities were limited over the past four years after Al suffered a stroke. With the assistance of Home Care, Jean was able to provide Al with all of the care he needed at home. Al was extremely happy to be able to stay at home during this time. Al will be forever lovingly remembered by his wife Jean; his three sons, Steven (Linda), Wayne (Deb McGannon), and Keith (Loraine); his six grandchildren, David (Corina) Hill, Alan (Michelle) Hill, Shari (Paul) Pointen, Courtney Hill (Daniel Hinks), Lisa Anderson Hill (Jeff McNall), and Adam Anderson Hill; his two loving sisters, Betty Jean (Bert) Ward of Alix, AB and Eileen Hill (Roland Scheidt) of Sundre, AB; his mother in law, Mary Chmilar; as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and many, many good friends. He will be sorely missed by his furry companions, Princess and Nicky, who really loved their “Dad”. He was predeceased by his parents; the mother of his children Audrey; his infant son Brad; his granddaughter Jaimie Hill; his brother George Hill; and his sisters, Margaret Yea, Frances Gutz, and Mary Collins. Memorial Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S, Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Friday, June 10, 2005 at 2:30 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. Rod Sykes of St. Andrew’s United Church, Presider. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB T6E 6K2 Telephone: 1 (888) 566 – 5864 or directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 3Y6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca or The Calgary Humane Society, 1323 – 36 Ave NE Calgary AB T2E 6T6 Telephone: (403) 250-7722, www.calgaryhumane.ca. Jean would like to thank Dr S. Workun, the nurses and staff of units 37 and 62 at the Foothills Hospital for their special care , Calgary Home Care, the special employees of We Care who looked after Al – namely Maureen, Angela, Gail, Sherri Lynne, Sharon, and Abby – your help will forever be appreciated. In living memory of Alfred Hill, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.