Richard "Wayne" Hill

1938 - 2022

Richard Wayne Hill left this troubled world at the TBRHSC on March 11, 2022 in the manner of his own choosing surrounded by loved ones. Many messages of appreciation for his life and sadness at his leaving were shared with him.

Wayne was born on May 24, 1938 in Timmins, Ontario, to William Leslie Hill of Portsmouth, UK, and Fanny Mabel Dudgeon of Powassan, ON. His family moved to Sept Iles, Quebec, in 1952. After a few years of schooling there, he left home to attend Quebec High School and lodge at St. John's Hall. During the summer months, he worked ‘up the line' for the Iron Ore Company of Canada.

He gained electrical engineering qualifications from Ryerson Institute of Technology and worked in various locations around the country. He then worked as an independent consultant in the paper industry, including an extended time in Terrace Bay. He left this to be with his partner Dr. Peggy Tripp-Knowles, both attending to her well-being and sharing adventures with her in the north woods and around the world. Wayne also cared for his mother the last 13 years of her long life after she had moved to Thunder Bay.

Wayne gave his time and energy to Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship serving on committees and helping to keep the building in good repair. He acquired the skills to alter their own home, creating two spacious apartments. He became “Mr. Fix-It” for so many friends.

Wayne had a passion for learning all his life. He studied photography, took piano and drumming lessons, belonged to a recorder group, and participated actively in the Tai Chi community. He successfully completed Cook Apprentice Achievement at Confederation College and created many gourmet meals for friends. He learned reflexology, massage and other therapeutic skills, all this for the benefit of his family and friends - gentle giant that he was.

Wayne was deeply concerned with social and environmental stewardship. He became interested in politics and ran for parliament for the National Party. He saw electrical vehicles as part of the solution to the ongoing global crisis, and became a proud owner of a Tesla which he drove with great joy.

Peggy encouraged Wayne to attend ballroom dance classes and he took every opportunity to learn in Thunder Bay. A few years after she died, when attending Argentine tango workshops, he met another dance enthusiast, Raija Warkentin. They became partners in dance and life, and travelled the world together. The best dance floor for them, however, was nearby at the Kakabeka Legion where they so enjoyed the music of Quest.

He leaves his children from his marriage to Rosemary Slack: Peter Simpson (Lorna), Paul Simpson (Ana), Rosemary McIlvaney, all who travelled far to be with him during his last few weeks. His grandchildren are William, Amanda, Jami, Aiden and Kieren. He is survived by his siblings, Peggy Aschmann of Thalwil, Switzerland, Beryl Payne of Rochester, UK, and Jami Hill of Kaslo, BC. They lovingly attended Wayne in his last weeks. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved wife Peggy whom he had married in 1995.

Wayne will be much missed by his family and friends, his Unitarian community, ballroom and Argentine tango dancers both in Thunder Bay, Nelson BC, and elsewhere.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Del Paggio, Dr. Ward, Dr. Lubbers and the hospital 2A staff as well as the Bayshore nurses Tom and Kyle, who cared for Wayne at home when he was ravaged by pancreatic cancer. The family greatly appreciates that Canada now allows MAiD to prevent prolonged suffering.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Wayne's life will be held at a later date. If friends wish, they may donate to his favourite charities: Salvation Army, Underground Gym, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship, Cancer Research, or the charity of their own choice.