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.
Digital Guestbook
Pat Reid
Derek and Brenda Ingersoll
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your son. Rest in Peace Sam.
Mom
My beautiful beautiful boy,
I will love you to my final breath and whisper your name to the stars every night . I know you found the peace that eluded you in life, but I am lost here without you. Please visit me in my dreams when you can. I will see you again. Love, forever ever and ever....mom ❤
Jennifer Alcock
Sam….I am still at a complete loss for words. My heart hurts that you are gone. Your talents were so incredible. You and your brothers are the reason my love for music is so strong. You were all apart of the reason I chose to pick up and instrument and learn. You were so loved by everyone you met. I will spend forever missing you. I will spend forever wishing for one more chat or one more blink cover. Sending all my love to the entire hills family. I wish you knew the kind of impact you all had on me. You will be missed. Hope my sister was there to meet you at the gates ❤️
Steve Edwards
It was an honour to be there today for your son and your family. The words spoken by the family were touching and made me re-evaluate and re-appreciate the connections I have in my life. I am sorry for your loss and wish the best for you going forward.
Glen Persaud
On behalf of the members of 8 OSS, my heartfelt condolences to the Hills family during this difficult time. The unit is still in shock at Sam’s passing and your family will remain in our thoughts as we navigate through life. I am hopeful that Sam’s death will make us all re-evaluate how we support each other.
Stacy Colt
As a work colleague Sam shared with me some of his future plans for after the military it is so heart wrenching that those plans, dreams and aspirations are no more. He was so proud of his sister the lawyer out East as he described how intelligent and accomplished she is. He left out his accomplishments and talents but as his family has mentioned he was a creative and musical soul that I will miss. Peace be unto your soul. RIP Sam. My sincere condolences to his family.
Condolences on your loss.
May he find the peace in death that eluded him in life.