We Remember
HILL, Thomas Jon
—
Born in Manitoba 88 years ago Tom passed away on January 27, 2023, at his home in Kelowna. Predeceased by Janet, his wife of 51 years, in 2010. Tom is survived by his children Beverly, Sharon (Wade), Cathy (Dave), Karen, Patty (Randy), Brian, and Rob (Annie). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, his beloved cat, Hector, as well as many others for whom he was a surrogate father and grandfather. Tom’s ability to welcome others into his home will be remembered and greatly missed.
Tom served in the RCMP for 35 years, splitting his service between Saskatchewan and BC retiring with the rank of S/Sgt. Tom served most of his career in plain clothes including GIS, Commercial Crime, CCIU, and Customs and Excise. He was an active member of the Veterans Association until his death.
Tom was raised in Armstrong, BC where he had close relatives and maintained friends long after leaving home in 1953 to join the RCMP. Tom loved to travel and visited many places around the world, befriending strangers and fellow travellers along the way. He was an avid sportsman as a boy and later a loyal fan and regular spectator at the many games his kids and grandkids played. Tom will be fondly remembered by his friends in Abbotsford, the Scandinavian Club of Abbotsford, in West Vancouver, and Saskatchewan where he also lived for many years.
Special thanks to Just Like Family, especially Jessica, for their wonderful care of Tom, as well as Dr. Hendriks, and the staff at Kelowna General Hospital; all of whom helped make Tom’s final years as comfortable as possible.
There will be no service by request. A gathering in recognition of Tom’s life will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, at 2081 Orchard Drive, Abbotsford, BC.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
2081 Orchard Drive, Abbotsford, BC
Share with Others:
Kelowna General Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice Link: www.kghfoundation.com
Service Information
Service Details
The service for HILL, Thomas Jon is scheduled for Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
2081 Orchard Drive, Abbotsford, BC
2081 Orchard Drive, Abbotsford, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
As a young, newly married couple, living a long way from our Ontario home Tom, along with Janet, were surrogate parents to us and grandparents to our young children so many years ago. This remained true even after we moved back to Ontario and would return to BC to visit. They always made us feel like family.
There are many great memories we have of Tom, here are just a couple.
We will never forget Tom wanting so desperately to bring Lyn to the hospital when our first, Julian, was ready to be delivered. Adrian was working late preparing lesson plans for a sub knowing that Lyn could deliver the next day. When he got the call, he stretched his time a little too long and when he arrived home, Tom was in the car with Lyn ready to rush her to the hospital. Tom was extremely disappointed to see Adrian knowing that he’d have to let him do the driving! This exemplified Tom, he was always there while we lived as “cellar dwellers” at the house on St Gallens Way – ready to step in and help us out.
Tom was an amazing woodworker. We were so lucky to have him as a guide while we built a canoe in his garage. He spent hours with us and was truly excited to see it all come together. His guidance and advice during the entire process was invaluable, and the reason the canoe still floats today! We still have that canoe and Tom is with us every time we take it for a paddle.
We will miss you Tom, as a surrogate parent, grandparent and a great friend. We’ll miss your sense of humour and your big heart. We are so fortunate that you and Janet opened up your family to us, as we will always be connected to both of you through them. Our deepest sympathies to all the Hill children, their spouses and children.
Dearest cousins,
I am so sorry for the loss of dear ‘Uncle Tom’ as I knew him. Sending you all big hugs and condolences. The Kembles remember our times with Tom fondly, his humour, his warmth, his curious mind, his love of sport, and his love of family. May you all rest into all the happy memories and into the strength of your bonds..
xoxox, Hana
To the Hill Family:
I was so sad to hear of your Dad’s passing
Your parents were both warm, inviting and caring individuals
I could not thank your parents enough for taking my Sister Lyn, Adrian & Nephews Julian & Quinten into
there Home and your family
My Daughter Lindsay & I visited together the for the first time in 1994
Lindsay fell in love with “Tucker” and we walked him every day, 3 times a day while in Abbotsford.
That same Christmas Lindsay received a Christmas Decoration with a picture of Tucker in it from your Mom & Dad that has hung on our Christmas tree every year since
Your Dad was one of a kind and I was very privileged to have known him
May you rest in peace Tom, and say hello to Janet for me.
Take care of one another
Lorri Bigelow
Bev, I’m so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. It’s been years since I was at your parents’ home in Kelowna but I still have fond memories of your dad and family. Sending you hugs, Judy (nee Malen) Miletto
Sharon and I were very sad to hear of Tom’s passing. We have known Tom since our time with him in North Vancouver RCMP Detachment. He was not only my absolute “best boss” which I have expressed for many years to everyone we know but was a true friend and a “one of a kind” individual. We are very thankful that we got to spend a night at his home in Kelowna this past June and also to meet and enjoy Brain’s company during that time. We will forever remember that visit and dining with Tom down by the waterfront. We have a photo of Tom, our dear friend Don Rinn and I on a visit in recent years in Banff where we socialized and overnighted at a local hotel. That photo will be a constant reminder of our true friendship over the years. Sharon and I will miss our telephone conversations that we shared regularly in recent years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Tom’s family at this difficult time but we want to share that Tom was a kind, funny, compassionate and wise man and always was and will be a “true friend”.
Sorry to hear of the loss of your father, My father and mother(Ross and Lois Perry) were life long friends, with Janet being a bridesmaid in their wedding back in the early 50s, I remember numerous times meeting the hill family over many years, and as a young person, visiting and staying with the family when the family was in North Vancouver area. Sorry for taking so long to respond, just heard about this today. The picture is from I think the last time they saw each other together.