Sending deepest condolences to family and friends. 

High School wasn't my favourite place to be. However, a man and my music teacher always inspired me to be the best that I could be. His name is Charles "Bud" Hill.  Throughout my lifetime I have thought of him many times. He used to tell us (the students) that he played in a band during wartime overseas. I believe he said that he entertained our troops.  As a young man I found that story to be an admirable pursuit, very impressive and quite a life experience for Mr. Hill. Upon arriving to the "at capacity" classroom for the first time, he stood at his podium with a baton in his hand and said to all of us, "if you do not want to be an excellent musician who will apply yourself in this classroom, leave now." He was serious and many batons were broken over the years to make his point clear. The point being that being our best is an absolute must. To have the opportunity to be taught by an accomplished player who took his job seriously and who exuded passion and intensity, was a blessing. We did achieve greatness and many awards at the revered Kiwanis Music Festival Competitions. "His direction and sincerity created a better me." 
Luckily I've been a part of the music industry for the better part of my life as a performer, vocalist, songwriter, industry consultant, booking agent and concert promoter. I have been blessed to be endorsed by Gordon Lightfoot for a song that I write about him called "Gordon," and have performed on stage simultaneously with Randy Bachmann, Sarah McLachlan, Colin Kames, Ian Thornley and Sass Jordan at Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto, along with many other notable accomplishments. 

I know for a fact that without the direction, inspiration, intensity, tenacity, compassion and education of Charles Albert "Bud" Hill at Richmond Hill High School in the late 1970s, that I wouldn't have achieved these milestones in my life. Thank you Mr. Hill for caring about me when I was a  young man. Rest In Peace.

Thanks Nick Tinker for posting this obituary on an RHHS Facebook group. 

It amazing that Bud Hill passed more than two years ago, but thanks to technology and good will, we are able to share memories of a remarkable man. 

The music program at RHHS is a big part of what defines my experience there from 1980-84, and while Bud Hill was not alone in delivering that program, he certainly shaped it. He was demanding, passionate, occasionally explosive and a bit eccentric, but he cared about all of his students and about our potential to make music. He changed the way I listen to music, forever, in a profoundly positive way. 

I recall a post in this same group from a classmate, Norm Bell, nearly 10 years ago where people were asking “where’s Mr. Hill?”

At least now we know that he is resting in peace, and that his spirit lives on in the music that we, his students, continue to make in our lives.

Mr Hill started teaching music at Richmond Hill High School 1977, the year I started there.  Even then, as I discovered what a high-school teacher was, I knew Mr. Hill was exceptional.  Now in retrospect, I realize just how exceptional.  He was passionate, inspiring, larger-than-life, and his teaching methods and uncompromising belief in his students had a lasting effect on many of us.  There are mentors in our lives whom we want so badly to impress that we invoke their spirits much later in life when we do something that we want them to be impressed with.  Mr. Hill was such a spirit mentor.  

I first met Bud when he became the Music Department Head at 
Richmond Hill H.S.  Fond memories resound of his active and always passionate participation in the York Region Music Heads meetings, including Bud admitting that he was 'Dub Selrahc', to conceal his slight embarrassment at being known as the arranger of 'The Homecoming' for high school band.  Being invited by Bud to work with his clarinets in the Richmond Hill Senior Band was an honour;  and to enjoy the wonderful musical experience that my students enjoyed performing as a visiting band in the RHHS Band Festival. 
And finally, travelling by train twice with Bud to  the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, and especially enjoying his incredible passion for the musical excellence and enthusiasm of the students performing at the Midwest. A lifetime of memories with Bud, compressed into too short a time.
Jim Corbett, Music Head King City S.S.(ret.), York Region DSB; and member of the Royal Regiment of Canada Band with Bud.

Our deepest sympathy goes to the family of Charles Albert bud hill. We just saw the tribute movie now so we’re a little late. Just wanted to share that we had so many fond memories of bud and his family. We lived next door to them on columbine avenue for many years . I was best friends with buds sons  from an early age til we moved away in 1966. Such a close family lots of backyard fun times. There piano downstairs was  used well they tried  teaching me chopsticks. I remember when bud turned our  favourite sand box into a patio.  He will be missed I’m sure  terry & jeanene bennington nee Hiney

I just saw this link on the Richmond Hill FB site that I follow. I think of Mr. Hill often. He was a passionate teacher/musician. I remember when I joined the band in grade 9 he was so excited that I played the Oboe. We had a great connection through our love of that instrument. 

Dear Mr.Hill,
My five years at North Toronto ring loud and clear with music in my heart! You made difficult times easier to handle, your dedication was inspiring, your devotion untiring. Thank you. I know you can hear the music in my message to you...Maytime Melodies, May Music Festival at Massey Hall each year has kept me singing still. Your hard work and want for perfection made us work harder and joyfully find near perfection!!
Thank you.
You gave me the courage to keep reaching, to keep trying.
Inside the tiger was the most gentle and caring soul. Thank you.

I too found out about Bud’s passing too late to attend the memorial service. Like my friends from the 1970 and 1971 graduating years at North Toronto whose messages are posted here, Bud inspired in me a life-long calling to music performance. 

His passion, fierce patriotism and unbounded energy amplified his musical talents. Bud taught for only seven years at North Toronto, but his influence on those he taught resounds today through the Canadian music scene. Two of my colleagues and I have played in an orchestra for 38 years now, having first played together in Bud’s grade 9 class over 50 years ago. 

He knew us better than we knew ourselves, in my case lighting a fire under my penchant for daydreaming. He made you want to excel, for the band, for yourself and for him. Feelings of stark terror, anger and an adrenaline rush to do better come to mind, after being focused on by two of the most piercing eyes in creation.

As a composer and arranger, Bud shared a lot with Beethoven - his music was clear, powerful and iconoclastic, much like his personality. As a teacher he was without equal; he became one of those few souls who has shaped my life. Gratitude is not a big enough word for what he has done for me. 

Thinking of Bud brings back many strong memories. From now on I will resolve to think of two things when he comes to mind:

1.	“ Pick up the horn and WAIL, man! “
2.	From Beethoven’s 9th Symphony - the Song of Joy.


Brian Maltman, NT class of ‘71


I am so very sorry that the sad news only just reached me.  I, like many others would have wanted to attend the memorial.
No musical mentor in my life has been more formative or enduring than the inspiring, passionate and creative Mr. Hill.  It was he who listened to my late plea to begin an instrument during the summer before grade 10, and trusted me to catch up to the class.  He helped me get flute lessons, encouraged me to play piccolo, supported me on ear training for an RCM exam and guided me through steps I needed to study music at university.
This was above and beyond the remarkable education he offered all his students.  From the early morning marching band rehearsals to the late night nights he spent hand copying parts (before the computer era), he was truly devoted to us.  There were the classroom lessons with not only his skilled and dynamic instruction teaching us how to perform, but also his delving into the great musical repertoire from Bach to Takemitsu, so that we became engaged as listening participants.  There were the many 3:30 rehearsals for concert bands and the massive Maytime Melodies chorus.  My most lasting memories were those of  Bud composing and arranging wonderful music just for us--Ode to Canada, the medleys, Our School, She's Like the Swallow, Back in the USSR, 17th Broadway March, Chant and Dance and what remains my favourite setting of O Canada.  His caring to score the right music for his performers has been the impetus and model for all my own musical writing.
Bud offered his students so very much, that many of us  have continued through our lives as musical crusaders shaped very much by our encounters with him.  Bud Hill was a one-of-a-kind and will be sorely missed.
  

Like Lorraine and Claire, I, too, and disappointed that I only just now found out this news. 

Bud was a significant influence through all five years of my academic - and, more important, musical - life at North Toronto. He was my strings teacher in Grade 9. I had hoped to start on the cello, but at the first class, Bud pointed to me and the three guys standing next to me and said, "You four tall guys at the back, you're playing bass." So that's what I did. But as it turned out, it was a great outcome as I ended up playing not just in the orchestra and the string orchestra but also, as of Grade 11, as the sole string bass player in the concert band. And that got me into the marching band (on bass drum) in Grade 12 and the marching band leader in Grade 13. I therefore ended up doing more music than I could possibly have done as a cellist!

I have very fond memories of Bud. 

Mr. Hill was a wonderful music teacher and a dynamic personality. I am grateful for his influence on my life which began in grades 9 and 10, and continued for me in the form of a lifelong involvement in playing and listening to music. I remember him with respect and affection.

I just learned of Bud's passing and am deeply sorry that I did not know in time to attend his Memorial Service. My regret will be shared by a whole group of us (Class of '71 and '70) from North Toronto CI who credit Bud with the inspiration to keep gigging. To this day, I can close my eyes and recall entire music classes where he had the ability to both terrify (no one did a rant like Bud) and inspire. I can remember him creating a pictures on the blackboard to introduce Impressionism before we attended a Toronto Symphony Student Concert featuring that genre—of course, attending the Saturday night concert at Massey Hall was mandatory! I also remember his introduction to Brahms 2nd Symphony and how he played and reviewed the themes so we would recognize and follow them. (To this day, I love that Symphony!)  His lessons/rants on how to play a dotted eighth and sixteenth note still haunt me and when I taught music, I remember using Bud's examples and techniques to ingrain the rhythmic figure into my students' heads! He was truly an icon and I well remember how my tears flowed when we found out he was leaving the school.

Over the years, a bunch of us were fortunate to cross paths with Bud on a number of occasions and were always thrilled to tell him that we were still playing. It was a huge honour to play under his baton at North Toronto Collegiate Institute's 75th Anniversary Concert and also at the 50th Maytime Melodies Concert. The "young uns" who were in the alumni band didn't know what to make of him but those of us who started and stayed with music because of Bud only felt affection for the man who inspired us. I hope wherever Bud is, that he has his "axe" and a baton as that is how I will always remember him. Thanks for the memories and most of all, the music.

On behalf of all of us involved in the Hannaford Street Silver Band we wish to express our collective condolences to Buds family. Bud was a member of our Board of Directors for many years. He was an ardent supporter of our goals and mission. He showed his support with financial contributions but more importantly with enthusiastic and outspoken comments at our Jane Mallet Concerts. I remember well his unbridled vocal outbursts after a piece of music was played well! He was the first to leap to his feet to lead a standing ovation. I should mention that he was not shy in letting us know if we played something he did't like!  That  was Bud's special charm.

Raymond Tizzard
Executive Director, Hannaford Street Silver Band





Bud loved Jazz - playing it; listening to it; talking to others about it - so much so that he took his trombone and headed off to England to play in the bands that were entertaining the troops still posted there and in Europe.
His love of teaching took a close second. When helping to start up the first semestered school in the Toronto Board, he decided to expand the band course to include piano and the string course to include guitar. He burned the midnight oil writing the notes for these parts out by hand so the students would have them for the next class. The students thought he was amazing.
Richmond Hill High School Band found itself going to Kiwanis, and being part of the Santa Claus Parade. The music teachers in the area got to know each other through his efforts. They formed an association which gave them the opportunity to support each other.
He was, truly, one of a kind. 

Bud will long be remembered as a fine music educator, talented musician,  and great arranger. His band arrangement of  Oh Canada opened our annual Toronto Board of  Education Secondary School Music Teachers' Association concert for years. When playing tuba with The Band of The Royal Regiment of Canada, he composed the 'Brutish Tubadiers' featuring our tuba trio. It turned out to be a winner!  We recorded it in our CD 'Footsteps In Time'. Rest in peace Bud. 
Gino Falconi
Director of Music Emeritus The Royal Regiment of Canada 

Hello Nan and Chris
Sorry, I can't join you to say farewell to Bud. 
Bud has had a profound affect on many of his music students, including both of our daughters.  He introduced his students to different genres of music which they carry with them to this day.
He could be a difficult friend at times but none the less we shared many good memories, good music, good food, heated conversations but still we walked away having enjoyed our visit.
I wish you both good health and happiness.
Joyce McKinnon

OBITUARY

Charles Albert "Bud" Hill

12 July, 1929 – 3 May, 2018

Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home

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