John Keith HILLMER

May 4, 1945 – September 15, 2024 On September 15, 2024, surrounded by love, Keith passed away peacefully, from respiratory disease, in a room packed with photographs of his children and grandchildren. Most will remember Keith's unabiding love for his family, his gentleness, his integrity, and his glorious readiness for laughter. Keith's whole heart belonged to his children, Tracey Kaplan (Matt), Laura Robinson (Brad) and Ted Hillmer (Roberta); and his eight grandchildren, Noah, Owen, Ryder, Madeleine, Cooper, Rose, Poppy, and Violet, who brought unspeakable joy into his life. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who he loved very much. Keith was born and raised in Toronto to Robert and Doreen Hillmer, alongside his much-adored siblings, Allan, Eric, and Mary Jane. As early as his time at Whitney Public School, athletics came easily to Keith, who later excelled on the football fields and hockey rinks at Jarvis Collegiate and Ridley College, where he was twice awarded Athlete of the Year. Keith later attended OCAD where his love of design blossomed, leading him into a wildly successful and award-winning 30-year career as an Art and Creative Director in international advertising, with time spent at Saatchi and Saatchi, Grey Advertising, and McCann Erickson. Keith was a kind, present, and loving father, who welcomed his children's friends into his life with genuine affection. He kept his loved ones smiling, and only occasionally groaning, with his sweet mischievous sense of humour, his love for puns, and his famous eye trick. Having spent over 60 years cottaging up at Cognashene, on Georgian Bay, with many happy summers spent with his former wife, Maggie Hillmer, Keith knew that there were few things in life as lovely as running a boat out on the open water or a Georgian Bay sunset. A sunset which was made all the sweeter with family and friends all around, and with Jimmy Buffet or the Eagles blasting throughout the cottage. Keith loved to laugh. He loved to keep his family near, and he left no big bear hugs behind. He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Sunshine for Seniors (www.sunshineforseniors.ca). A Celebration of Keith's Life will follow at a later date.