Obituary of Roy Stewart Hillier

With heavy hearts the family of the late Roy Stewart Hillier announces his peaceful passing at the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre, surrounded by loving family, on December 24, 2019 at the age of 72. Roy was born in Point au Gaul, NL in 1947, and was well known for his keen sense of humour. There was always a laugh to be had even in the toughest times. Roy enjoyed gardening, fishing, hunting, camping, the outdoors, volunteering with the Lamaline Volunteer Fire Dept., and playing Santa Claus. From working to fishing to hockey to family he put his heart and soul into everything. Roy retired in 2000 after 35 years of service at INCO Limited. Outside of work Roy was an accomplished Sports Trainer having trained with various sports teams including the Sudbury Cyclones (soccer), Sudbury United (soccer), and the Sudbury Nickel Capitals (hockey). In addition to his sports medicine background, Roy was an avid First Aider. He volunteered with St. John Ambulance for four decades, spanning from Ontario to Newfoundland and Labrador. He was involved in many first aid competitions as a competitor and coach. His exemplary service was recognized by Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth II, as he was a Commander of the Order of St. John holding the title of Sir. After realizing his dream of retiring to his beloved Newfoundland, he was further recognized by the Lieutenant Governor of NL for his continued service with St. John Ambulance. Despite all of his outstanding accomplishments, Roy was a remarkably humble, kind, caring, and generous man who was always quick with a joke and smile for everyone he met. Leaving to mourn with many fond and loving memories are his wife Frances of 49 years, his 3 daughters, Darlene Hillier-Kaczkofsky (Dominick) of Dubuque, Iowa, Diane Graham (Garnet) of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Donna Hillier of Fortune, NL, and his son Darrell Hillier (Lee-Anne) of Sudbury, ON. Poppy will be missed by his grandchildren Garnet Graham Jr., Geoffery Graham, Dale Buffett, and Wyatt Hillier. Sadly missed by sisters Gladys, Greta (Walter Bonnell), Shirley (Raphael Lockyer), Eileen (George “Tuss” Rose), Jean (Don Rose) and Marjorie (Steve Rose), and brothers Lloyd (Mary) and William (Marilyn). Also leaving to mourn stepbrothers Arch Thornhill (Eleanor) and Harold Thornhill (Roberta). Roy will be missed by brother-in-law Bill Precoor (Betty) and sister-in-law Clarice Vandierendonck (Dan-predeceased). He will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and large circle of lifelong friends. Predeceased by his parents Stanley and Effie Hillier, father-in-law Clarence Precoor, sister Alice, brother Freeman, stepmother Sarah ('Sadie'), stepsister Joan Stacey (Cecil), stepbrother Max Thornhill (Marina), brother-in-laws Austin Hillier and Garfield Bonnell. The family would like to recognize the many health care workers from Burin Health Care, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital, and Blue Crest Nursing Home who provided so much compassion over the last six months. Thank you. Family will be receiving visitors at Serenity Funeral Home, Grand Bank on December 26, 2019 from 2-9pm, and St. Mary's Anglican Church, Lamaline on December 27, 2019 from 2-9pm. Funeral service will take place December 28, 2019 at 2 pm at St. Mary's Anglican Church in Lamaline. In Keeping with Roy wishes cremation will follow. Inurnment will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the family. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home. “Because We Care”