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.
Digital Guestbook
David Szalay
Paul Cantle and Prism Schneider
A true pioneer and giant in the field of vascular surgery in Canada. His passing will be felt by many far and wide. He will be missed dearly by those that he trained, mentored, and inspired. Condolences to his family.
Geraint Lewis
A true gentleman with a twinkling sense of humour. We shared a locker bay and frequently rubbed cheeks.
Farid Shamji
I recall having wonderful conversations with Andrew at the Civic Hospital since 1998 when he joined the hospital. He was always smiling and courteous and good at sharing his thoughts. I will miss him
Dr. AlBlooshi
It was with great sadness and shock that I have received this news. Dr. Hill was a great teacher, mentor and point of reference in all the tough situations. I pray for him and his family. May he Rest In Peace.
Heather Roper[RN]
I worked in the Operating Room with Andrew for many years and he was always a gentleman. He was a dedicated Surgeon that never forgot he was human.
The world is a better place because he was here.
Patty Mancini
Andrew was a familiar figure walking the halls here at the Ottawa hospital. He will be deeply missed by many. My deepest condolences to his family, and to you Mrs. Sarah Hill. I had the pleasure of meeting you and as a mom you were always concerned for Andrew. I hope you find some solace in knowing he is at peace now. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
David Gibson
Lyse and the entire Hill family, I am so sorry for your loss. Andy was such a wonderful man, generous, caring and a great guy to be around. His golf weekends at the Fancy Free and the Laurentians are legendary. When I was admitted into the hospital last year, he reached out to ensure I was all right and if I had any questions or concerns, he will be missed.
Kevin Nolan
Andrew was a kind, gracious person. He was a humble surgeon and a colleague whom you were grateful to have met and had been privileged to work with.
Christina Charbonneau (RPN)
Deepest sympathies to his family. Working with Dr. Hill was always a pleasure, he was always so kind and calm in the operating room. The Civic OR will miss him greatly.
On behalf of our group at McMaster our condolences to Andrew's family, friends and colleagues and trust that your many wonderful memories and shared stories will provide strength and perhaps some smiles in the weeks, months and years to come. Andrew will be remembered as a valued and well-respected voice in the vascular surgery community. He had the gift of being able to ask great questions - and to give even better answers.