After a courageous battle with an aggressive form of lymphoma, Dr. Andrew Hill passed away peacefully at the all too early age of 60.
The Hill family extends its deep gratitude to the doctors and nurses of The Ottawa Hospital who provided him with high quality care, comfort and dignity throughout his ordeal. With all our hearts, we also thank Andrew’s life partner, Lyse Huneault, for providing him with continuous love, comfort and support during his treatment. We could not have asked for more from one he so clearly loved.
Andrew is predeceased by his father William John Leslie Hill, and survived by his mother Sarah Puddicombe Hill, his children Fraser and Sarah Hill, his brothers Tony, Gordon and Duncan Hill and their respective spouses Wendy Hill, Denise Workun and Cathy Bailey.
Although born in Montreal, Andrew grew up in Nepean. While sometimes mischievous at the expense of his brothers, he approached everything he did with exceptional hard work, intelligence and focus. He enjoyed skiing, bicycling and engaging in something that resembled golf. He loved spending time with life-long friends from his lifeguarding days, J.S. Woodsworth High School, and The Ottawa Hospital. Andrew was a gracious host of family gatherings, fun cottage times on the Rideau Lakes and was keen to engage in activities with those who loved him. Most of all, Andrew was a devoted father who loved his children dearly. They made him ever so happy and proud.
Andrew completed degrees at the University of Ottawa (BSc Molecular Biology, 1982), McGill University (Medicine, 1986, MSc Experimental Surgery, 1992) and McMaster University (MSc Health Research Methodology, 2000). He was the recipient of many certifications, honours, awards, and acknowledgements from his peers and professional and academic organizations. He was also a skilled researcher, prolific author and educator who helped advance knowledge in the cardiovascular field.
The practice of medicine and surgery was Andrew’s passion and it defined him. He performed his residency and worked at the Montreal General Hospital until 1998. He was a senior member of the surgical staff at The Ottawa Hospital since 1998. He served as Division Head of Vascular Surgery at The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine from 2001 to 2011, and, led the Canadian Society of Vascular Surgeons in 2005. He had a significant role in recruiting the current generation of vascular surgeons at The Ottawa Hospital and positioning Ottawa as an international leader in endovascular surgery. As a talented and caring surgeon, Andrew dedicated himself to improving the lives of all his patients.
“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” - Theodore Geisel
Friends are invited to visit the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Ave. Ottawa on Saturday November 16 after 2 p.m. Memorial Service will be held in the Sacred Space at 3 p.m. followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made online at AndrewHillTribute.ca, by phone 613-761-4295 or by mail to TOH Foundation, 737 Parkdale Avenue, 1st floor, Box 610, Ottawa, Ontario, K1Y 1J8.
My deepest condolences to Andy's family and loved ones. I was shocked and saddened to hear (late) of Andy's passing. I knew him well at Parkwood Hills PS until high school at JS. We went in different directions in high school but I always knew him to be a very kind person, to everyone. I also knew him to be very intelligent and driven and suspected he became a doctor but didn't know the extent of his impact until now. Again, my heartfelt condolences to everyone he touched.