Obituary of Gerald Austin Hills
Gerald (Gerry) Austin Hills passed away in the same manner as he lived, quietly and peacefully, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit on Sunday, July 10, 2022.
Born June 5,1938 in Woodstock, Ontario to the late Katherine (Pender) and Neuman Hills of Woodstock and London, Ontario.
Gerry is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Joyce Wallace-Hills, sons Patrick (late Mung) and Daniel (Gina); brother Ed (Jeannine) of Ontario, Joyce’s siblings, who affectionately called him “Tum Tum “, Betty (Glenn), Dougie, Bernie (Cathy), Bryden (Kathy), Eleanor, Hugh V., Robert and Glenn, several nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly, as well as special godson, Christopher Wallace. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by Joyce’s parents Helen and Frank Wallace, sister-in-law Jean and brothers-in-law Danny Purdy, Donnie, Ernie, and Harold.
Gerry earned his wings with 441 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Force in March 1958 and became a pilot flying throughout Europe for over eight years. He then moved to Ottawa and began a career as Sales Manager for computer software companies, two of which were Honeywell and Dell, and was director of Recovery House for two years.
In 1982 he met the love of his life Joyce. He was later transferred to Halifax to do contract work with the Department of National Defense and was Director of Recovery House for two years. In 1989 Gerry and Joyce began building their dream home in their beloved Lakevale, overlooking St. George’s Bay, and lived there until they moved to Mount Cameron Estates three years ago. Gerry enjoyed gardening, painting, sports, carpentry, social events, watching and recording movies, photography, musicals and Joyce’s cooking. He served his much loved community and was a valued and dedicated member of St. Columba Parish. He was a 42 year member of Alcoholic Anonymous and freely offered support to members. He was a co-founder of the Lakevale Big Book Group where many people found sobriety. Gerry was a self- taught, passionate artist from a very early age and in his retirement enjoyed teaching etching and drawing classes at St FXU for 13 years, where his students loved him dearly. Gerry and Joyce lived life to the fullest, traveling around Canada and the USA, spending time with friends, and enjoying life while patiently supporting Joyce, always and especially, with her traveling to and from their much loved Stan Rogers Folk Festival! His brother Ed tells the story that in school Gerry was known as” Ed’s little brother” but when he moved to Antigonish he became known as “Joyce’s husband, Gerry”!
A sincere thank you to all who cared for Gerry in the past few years, in particular the loving care provided by his wife Joyce and the compassion care and support from Dr. Rice and the staff of the John MacLellan Palliative Care Unit offered to both Joyce and Gerry during his short time in the unit. Special thanks to Fr. Andrew Boyd and Fr. Bernie MacAdam for the pastoral care extended.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Sunday, July 17, 2022 from 2:00 -5:00 pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St., Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held in St. Columba Church, Lakevale at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, July 18th with Celebrants Rev. Andrew Boyd and Rev. Bernie MacAdam presiding. Interment in St. Columba Cemetery. Reception to follow in Mini Trail Community Center.
Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers donations, would be appreciated to the Antigonish Palliative Care Society, St. Columba Parish Cemetery Fund, the Mini Trail Community Center or charity of your choice. Masks are not required but recommended by family. www.MacIsaacs .ca
Gerry, you have earned your wings for the second time. RIP
Visitation
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Sunday, July 17, 2022
MacIsaac Funeral Home
61 Pleasant St
Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
(902) 863-3414
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Funeral Mass
10:00 am
Monday, July 18, 2022
St Columba Church
4404 RR4 Hwy 337
Lakevale, Nova Scotia, Canada
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1938 2022
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Gerald
Austin
Gerry
Hills 1938 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Antigonish, Province: Nova Scotia