Cpl Samuel James Hills

Samuel James Hills, lovingly remembered by family as “Samuel James McBoogerNugget Army Man River Hills” or “Sammy Gamgee”, climbed aboard his rocketship on August 19, 2021, to fulfil his destiny as guitar hero master and resident dad joker among the stars.

Sammy is survived by his parents, Rick (Laurie) Hills and Judith (Randy) McCormack-Hills, all of whom loved his bull-headed quirky ways and loving disposition. Whether he was exhausted on house-hunting trips, wanting to go back to the f***ing hotel, getting caught smoking in highschool, or his hilarious wedding speeches, Sam kept everyone on their toes and falling more in love with him everyday.

Sam is survived by his big brothers, Kris (Songie) Hills and Matt (Autumn) Hills, and sisters Tessa (Blaise) Hills and Tayarna (Mike) Carroll. A bit of a troublemaker in his youth, Sam was a master at stealing Halloween and Easter candy from his little sister, and girls from his older brothers.

Sam loved his pups more than anything in the world. Sam, Theo and Buddy- the Three Amigos. They were his sidekicks and the biggest beneficiaries of his beautiful heart and kind soul. He built them blanket forts in rainstorms, and carried Buddy in a dog backpack when age had limited his hiking abilities.

Sam’s untimely passing will be grieved by his surviving grandparents, Michael McCormack, Diane McCormack, Sydney Hills and Royce True. Sam is pre-deceased by his grandmother Stella True. They will all remember his curly-hair, devilishly handsome smile, devious grin and boundless heart.  

His cousins, nephews and nieces, Evan, Rosalind, Charlotte, Bryce, Malyk, Cormac, Brayden, Davante and Scarlett will forever miss his fun-loving ways and the silliness he brought to family gatherings.

His aunts and uncles, Joanne Hills-Chenier, Andrea (Todd) Babin and Daphne (Richard) McCormack will lovingly remember their wonderful and caring nephew.

Sammy was born on February 17, 1990, in London, Ontario (though has been known to fib that his birthday was on Valentine’s Day to be more appealing to the ladies). Unwittingly charming, Sam was universally loved by those he encountered. Coming from a military family, Sam was able to bless many cities and towns with his (not always) hilarious jokes, silly skits and musical talents. Always up for adventure and anarchy, Sam also spent his younger years rehearsing for his role in a “Jackass” skit, which never came to fruition- though many bruises (and groundings) did. A bigger success, however, was Sam’s starring role in his play “Men in Tights” in junior high. And yes, he rocked those tights.

An artist through and through, Sam’s lifelong hobbies included playing the guitar and various other instruments, singing, painting, cooking, breaking stuff and being a bad ass. He wasn’t a car guy, but went through vehicles like you’d go through underwear. Speaking of cooking, it became apparent at a young age that the only way to satisfy Sam’s hunger was to bring him to a buffet, where he would surely out eat everyone at the table.

In lieu of flowers, Sam would have loved for donations to be made to your local Humane Society. His family asks that you call your loved ones, ask them how they are doing, and tell them you love them.

Sammy, you were loved with a love beyond telling and you will be missed with a grief beyond all tears. Rest peacefully our beautiful boy.

August 19, 2021- the day the music died.

The funeral service will be closed due to restrictions in numbers with COVID-19, however, everyone is welcome to celebrate Sam’s life with his family at 3:30pm on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the family cottage at 241 Boyd Landing Lane North, Merrickville, ON.