Robert HILL Obituary
Robert "Bobby" Hill Jr. was born in Twin Butte Alberta, son of the late Robert and Bryde Hill, brother of the late Bryde (Binky) Hill, Dorothy Hill, Patricia Walker and Marjory Doman. Hill graduated from the old West Hill High School in the Notre Dame de Grace (NDG) neighbourhood of Montreal. Bobby Hill was a pioneer of Canadian country music on radio, television and in live performance throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In 1955, he wrote and recorded "The Ballad of Rocket Richard" following the Forum Hockey Riot. Hill went on to achieve recognition as a performer of Jewish folk music, performed in seniors residences and hospitals for more than three decades. On Monday nights, he regularly performed on steel guitar at the Wheel Club in NDG. Robert received a PhD with Great Distinction in History from McGill University in 1970, writing his thesis (and later a book) on Robert Sellar, the editor of the Huntingdon Gleaner newspaper. Hill taught History at the high school and CEGEP levels for over thirty years. A long time resident of NDG, Hill led a one-man crusade to keep the neighbourhood clean by the simple act of picking up trash in the streets and lanes around his home, a campaign which was recognized by the Borough of CDN/NDG with a Certificate of Merit. Robert Hill is survived by his wife Pernella Pollard Hill, children Robert Hill Jr., Ted Hill, Kari Hill, and April Hill, and grandchildren Zack Hill, Ella and Tobin Hassalback, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins residing in the United States. Viewing at Urgel Bourgie Funeral Home, 2630 rue Notre Dame West, Montreal, Quebec from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, June 26. The Funeral Procession will depart Montreal at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27 to the Hillside Cemetery, Hinchinbrooke (near Huntingdon) Quebec, where the Funeral will be held.
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17 Entries
July 1, 2015
Dear Family of the late Bob Hill,
Our deepest most heartfelt sympathy to you.
Bob was our colleague at John Abbott College and we remember his musicianship as well.
His passing is a loss to so many.
We wish you comfort and inner peace.
Sharon and Stanley Asher
Gina Davis Cayer
June 30, 2015
Mr. Hill was a well respected teacher by his students and he enjoyed Life
Mary Lynne Dewhurst
June 26, 2015
I'm sad to hear of Mr. Hill's death. He was my homeroom teacher 62/63 and much beloved by his students. I saw him most recently performing at the Wheel club and was amazed at his stamina.
Leo Fontaine
June 26, 2015
Our sincere condolences go out to all of Bob's wonderful family. He was a counsellor, a teacher, and a generous friend, never to be forgotten, they don't make them like this anymore. Rest in peace Bobby, goodbye...
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June 26, 2015
When Bob was scheduled to play for the patients at Mt.Sinai Hospital on Cavendish Blvd., everyone wanted to see him. And when the show was over, everybody came back smiling.
Don
Bobby Dove
June 26, 2015
Sending love to all of Bobby's family and friends. He was an amazing influence on everyone around it seems and he coached me on singing country hits and more obscure pieces. He gave tips freely and was truly compassionate as a friend. A brilliant songwriter and observer, a real pro musician with real backbone and heart. It was such an honor to get to know him and meet some of his family the past few years. And it is amazing to read all these comments to share in his memory.
Sarah Hartt-Snowbell
June 25, 2015
Rest peacefully Bobby Hill. Bobby's Hometown Jamboree performances in the early fifties were a great inspiration to me. Heartfelt condolences to Bobby's family and friends on his passing.
Bob Hill. Source: Malcolm Campbell High School 1963-64 yearbook
Jaan Pill
June 25, 2015
Scott Munro, one of Bob Hill's students at Malcolm Campbell High School, remembers Bob Hill as a history teacher: "He taught us grade 10 history, the focus being American history and World history. His detailing of the American governmental system, and reasoned observations on China are items that remain firmly in mind to this day, as though I can still recall him speaking to us in class. His course was an eye opener for me, and I would just like him to know that, so please forward my remarks to him. I also remember him bringing his guitar to class, singing Gordie Howe was the greatest of them all'. He didn't impress me quite as much with that one because I was a dyed in the wool Maurice Richard, Jean Beliveau fan but I've driven through Floral, SK, so I understand.
Ken Fairlie
June 25, 2015
Bobby, along with mandolinist Ron Scott, made many contributions to the preservation of old timey, folk, bluegrass, and country music. And for this many of us are greatful. Condolences to the family from a former NDG resident.
Ken Fairlie
Oceanside, California
June 25, 2015
Bob was a true Renaissance man. Music-ofall kinds-history master-prostate counsellor. A valued teacher at JAC.
Condolences to all the family'
Peace-courage-serenity.
Bob Burns
Bobby Hill playing lap steel while recording Echoes From the Wheel Club, 2010. Photo by Craig Morrison.
Craig Morrison
June 25, 2015
Bobby Hill was a valuable and cherished member of the Hillbilly Night family (the Monday night country music event in NDG, founded by Bob Fuller, still going strong after 49 years). Bobby's authoritative and authentic lap steel and Dobro playing, and calm, quiet presence brightened every performance in which he participated. He was very modest about his career and accomplishments, but one night in a break during the recording of a CD called Echoes From the Wheel Club, on our urging Bobby told us about making Canada's first bluegrass record in 1957, how the Rocket Richard song came about, and how he tracked down, hired, and assisted the great folk fiddler Jean Carignan to continue his career. Bobby was one of the unsung heroes of music, a dignified and gentle man, and an inspiration to many of us. He will be missed!
Stephen Soroka
June 25, 2015
I taught at John Abbott College for many years with Bob and I found him a warm, generous, progressive and honest man. He will be missed.
Heather Seeger
June 25, 2015
Out thoughts are with you April and Nells. I know the friendship between Bob and yourselves meant the world to my Dad and Mom. Bob was a very special man.
Young Heather and Karl Seeger
Sheldon Kagan
June 25, 2015
I was very saddened to read the passing of Bob in this morning's Gazette. Although I have not been in touch with Bob for many years, I still have amazing memories of our days entertaining Montrealers. I met Bob when I first started as a disc jockey and he made me cassettes of Hebrew and Yiddish music. It is ironic that me being Jewish, I had to reach out to Bob to supply me with Hebrew and Yiddish tunes, and I in turn made him top 40 cassettes. We performed together at many functions over the years. May he rest in peace.
June 25, 2015
Sister pernella accept my condolence on the passing of your husband our prayers are with you all love sister ordeen
Rita Briansky
June 25, 2015
Dear Nell and family- I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing.It is a great loss. When we were neighbours he was always so kind and helpful to me. He was a wonderful person.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Rita
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2630 Notre-Dame O., Montreal, QC H3J 1N7
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