My intersection with Peter was as a member of the DVO community. He was always a welcoming and supportive presence. As I look back on 2020 and the many trials imposed on us, the loss of Peter will stand out. His contributions to our concerts and encouragement during rehearsals were meaningful. His passing is a loss of a good man. My condolences go out to Diana and Lauren, and his many friends who will be missing him. 

The Dundas Valley Orchestra’s Board of Directors were in shock when at its meeting Peter announced that he was ill. He told that he would be going through chemo treatments to stop his growing cancer.  He said that his Doctor was not very encouraging that it would help.  He related that his daughter Lauren has gone through tremendous challenges and that he is trying to emulate her courage.  He said she was his hero.
I first got to know Peter when I joined the Dundas Valley Orchestra Board.  Peter was President at the time and he held the Board meetings at his home.  We sat on the back deck around an outdoor oversized table.
It was impressive on how skillfully he led the meeting giving opportunity for all to voice their opinions and to give direction for them to come to consensus at the end.  In his meetings he never rushed the process.  He valued everyone’s thoughts adding bits of humour to keep the meeting moving. He believed that being a member of the Board should be a socially fun experience.  Sometimes this led to long meetings but in the end the business was accomplished.
There was no end to his talents.  As archivist he used his organizational skills to preserve DVO’s history and special events.  He volunteered to do jobs when there was no one with the skills to do the tasks.  He used his computer skills to create  concert programs.  He acted as our Master of Ceremonies for our concerts.  He acted as Secretary, Vice President, President, Past President, and Member on the DVO Board working through the system a number of times.
He was concerned that the orchestra members were not informed about the business of the orchestra.  Communication was important to him so he started a monthly newsletter. He helped others who were new to the Board to understand their responsibilities and worked with them to organize their special committee if they wanted direction.  He created a monthly calendar to help keep tract of the orchestra’s activities to eliminate last minute scrambles.  The orchestra benefitted tremendously under his leadership. 
I remember when I first became President of the Board I vowed to myself that I would follow Peter’s initiatives and practices to ensure that there would not be last minutes scrambles to get the chores done on my watch.  We followed Peter’s steps to navigate the operations of the orchestra in his organized thoughtful way. 
Somewhere along the line, Peter decided the orchestra needed more information and direction.  He wanted to make it easier for the Board to do its job.  Peter and I teamed up to put all the information into a Binder that set out the DVO operations.  A Binder would house all the information on the management and business of the orchestra and Board members would have all the information they needed in one place.  
Peter and I spent many hours and meetings around our dinning room table writing up the various sections of the Binder.  I kept the coffee perking to help us keep our focus.  Peter had the computer expertise to make our thoughts look pretty on paper.  We put to good use his English and grammar skills.  He always had the words to summarize and clarify.  At the end of each meeting, Peter took our efforts with him to make the final copies at home.   We were proud of our work on the Binder.  It is a “go to” book for needed information.  Peter knew that It would need updating as procedures will change.  Peter made sure that the Binder’s design would allow this with not too much difficulty.
We had a great working partnership.  We valued each other’s opinions and worked through and compromised when needed.  I admired Peter’s computer technology and appreciated how he shared his knowledge.  

The long hours and many meetings finally ended with the completion of our mandate.  Some work was left for others to add or to change in future.  Our spouses, Diana and Arthur were happy to hear that our work was finally finished.  We celebrated by going out for dinner with our spouses.

Even though working with Peter was an enjoyable learning experience, I too, was happy that our part of the writing of the Binder was over.

Olga Hencher 


Lauren/Diana,

We were very sorry to hear from Jenny the sad news of Peters death, we just wanted to let you know that our thoughts and best wishes are with you both and the rest of your family.

We have very fond memories of our last visit to Canada and remember the huge warm welcome you all gave us and the kindness and generosity Peter and the family all showed, these memories will stay with us forever.

We are thinking of you through these, what I am sure are very difficult times, and we send our love and best wishes to you all.

Roger and Sarah

Before every DVO concert, while I stood or sat somewhere in the narthex of St. Paul’s United Church gathering my thoughts, Peter would come and find me and ask if I was ready to get started. He needed to know that because his next step was to go out in front of the audience, give a welcome, make announcements and introduce me to conduct the concert. Sometimes there were last minute decisions about who would say what to the audience, if I would be coming off before the soloist, etc. It was always reassuring to know that Peter was there and that he had my back. If the crowd was really large, as it often was, I didn’t have to make the call to start on my own. We had a team to assess the situation and figure out what to do next. I will never start a DVO concert without thinking of Peter and being thankful for those pre-concert moments.

The most important resource for me during the planning stages of the 40th season was the “The Dundas Valley Orchestra – A Jewel in the Valley: 1978-2011” by Peter L. Hill. There is a lot of valuable information in that book about repertoire, soloists and membership. I used it extensively for planning the music and the soloists for the season. I even borrowed the title of the book for one of the concert themes.

In the end, the 40th season was very successful. The programs worked well for the orchestra, soloists and audience. It was a meaningful celebration of the orchestra’s 40 years performing in Dundas. The aptness of the repertoire and soloists, and the stories I could tell from the podium, would not have been at all possible without Peter’s dedication to the DVO, its history and its people. I will be forever grateful for such a detailed and well-written historical guide and Peter’s commitment to the DVO.

Laura Thomas

The Hill and Washington families have been close friends for a very long time.  
Here are but a few of them hoping that they will bring a smile of happy recollections for your  Dad and  also your Mum. They have travelled on life’s journey so strong together. 
Here goes! 

I think the apartment on Balsam Avenue, Hamilton, was your first abode together.  It was comfortable but not that big. You sure changed that. Ha!  Anyway, you had a party there with lots of people. Standing room only!  You invited me to sample the wide selection of food attractively displayed on the table.  There in the middle was a very, very large full sized fish with head and tail attached. I think it was an eel. I swallowed and drew back! You smiled, handed me a knife with the invitation to cut into it!  Yuck! I shivered, probably emitted some vocal sound and declined the offer. I expect your other guests with more sophisticated tastes than mine at the time, would have loved it which I may have done if it had not been staring at me.

Details of the actual production of that geographical TVO series in which you and John were very involved,  I think as consultants, was exciting for you both. I am hazy on the details but hopefully  you can fill Lauren in with the details and then she can pass that on to me. 

 As god parents for Charlotte you were so attentive with remembering, not only her special days and happenings, but sister Christine’s, as well. Your caring, thoughtful gifts, outings and  cards was so appreciated.  Even now you still remain so interested in her life and that of Brenna. He was so pleased with the books you have given him. Thank you.

That beautiful big house still has those smashing gold velvet curtains that Diana made. It has been a favourite, welcoming place to gather. A most memorable time  was when we came back after the opera at Hamilton Place where Charlotte was in the chorus.  That was special enough but was made it super special was your joyful announcement

Dear Lauren and Diana

 I am so very sorry to hear the news from Nick that Peter died yesterday. 

Please also pass on our condolences to your Mum. Love, Rosalie and Colin xx


I'm very sorry to hear that sad news, I hadn't heard until now.  Peter lived an amazing life, so well for so long and we were so sorry to hear of his illness in the last few weeks.

Sending love to you and Diana, our thoughts are with you

With love, Philippa x

Getting dressed up to go for dinner at the Hill's big house on Bay Street is what I remember.  I was a little kid.  That was before Lauren.  We played croquet in the back yard. Peter would make fried bananas and brown sugar for desert.  It was yummy.

I remember that old VW bus set up as a camper and listening to Peter telling stories of he and Diana travelling in it.  His descriptions of his journeys in North America inspired me to jump into my Toyota Corolla at age nineteen and travel to California, Mexico and all along the coast to Canada and home.  I am so thankful for that.

It was with deep regret that I learned recently of the passing of Peter Hill.  Peter was a force to be reckoned with professionally as well as a volunteer in our community. His contributions have left a legacy that will endure not just with his wife Diana and his daughter Lauren but with the many friends he earned over his years of service. May your memories of Peter bring you comfort and peace.


Dear Diana and Lauren,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you on the loss of your husband and father.  
Among other things, I will miss Peter enthusiastically waving me on to the stage at our DVO concerts.  It won't be the same without him.
Thinking of you,
Naomi

As Chief of the Emergency at Hamilton General Hospital I met Peter on several occasions. He was not only very helpful but unfailingly polite and pleasant in what was probably a sometimes stressful position.  His help was always offered with a smile and a good wish. As well, his book about the history of the General was  excellent and I am sure much appreciated by the members of our General "family".
He truly was a gentleman and  his death has taken a good man.

Dear Diane & Lauren,
We are deeply saddened at the untimely passing of your beloved  husband and father,Peter. He was quite a remarkable person.  His affability, practical nature  and  empathy endeared him to those with whom he came into contact. He will always be remembered  for his professionalism, intuition, his wealth of knowledge, sense of humour and his desire to serve. 
Peter  has been the backbone of the Dundas Valley  Orchestra for many years.  His contribution and guidance to the  Board of Directors and the  D V O will be greatly missed.
 We  are grateful to have known Peter and that he was  part of our lives.
Rest in  peace dear friend.
Diane and Lauren, may the fond memories of Peter bring you  peace,comfort and strength at this difficult time and in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Rudin &  Dowling  Knights

Peter was a dear friend of McMaster University. We met on several occasions and had wonderful conversations. Such a gentleman and kindhearted person. Our deepest sympathies.
-Deanna and all Peter's friends at Mac

Flashes of imagery as I think of Peter Hill... I remember that micro bus (didn't we all love that?) arriving at the cottage.  I remember his excitement telling us about the imminent arrival of baby Lauren, and the sight of him happily helping her hoist her harp so many happy years later.  I remember he and Diana at the door delivering gifts and smiles at Christmas. When I was a little kid he reminded me of Archie from the comics, ha ha, must have been the hair! I remember him offering me some much needed employment when I was a teen, repointing the stonework in the basement... (psst, we embedded a tiny time capsule deep in that concrete). I remember Mr. Hill always offering a word to two of sage advice, his encouragement of his godchild, Charlotte and all the Washington kids, and how his soft voice could command the respect and admiration of so many. And I will always remember and be thankful for the beautiful way he helped us say goodbye at my father's farewell concert, friends since University, now two lifetimes ago.
Rest in peace, Peter. You leave behind you a legacy of good works and decency for which you and your family deserve to be proud.  Well done, sir.

Dear Lauren & Diana,
I am dearly sorry for the unexpected loss of your father & husband. Unfortunately, I did not have the privilege of meeting Peter, but have had the privilege of working with his daughter, Lauren at a few different veterinary clinics during the last couple of years. He must have been a wonderful man because he raised a sincere, honest & strong willed daughter who cares deeply for others & animals. I did have the pleasure of meeting Peter's wife & Lauren's mother today, Diana who seems to possess the same valuable characteristics as Lauren.  
God bless you both.

Peter was a relatively new member to our WISE group of genealogists who met monthly at the Irish Canadian Club, but he was an enthusiastic and interesting contributor to our discussions, and a gentleman.  We will miss him and are sorry we did not know him longer.
Our deepest sympathies to the family.
John O'Gorman

I met Peter during the establishment of the Haldimand Area Woodlot Association, and greatly appreciated his friendship. My condolences to the family he is a great loss. 

I met Peter in 1963 when he taught me Math at Parkside.  I remember him as a caring teacher.  Later my wife Rose Marie and I danced with Peter and Diana at Waterdown village Squares. 
 Peter always had ideas.  He joined the Square dance convention committee and edited the convention news letter and made improvements to it.   If I was slow to write my contribution to the news letter he would write it for me and send it for edits.   He and Diana were good dancers and fun to be with.  We have lost a true gentleman.

Peter's involvement with the DVO committees was pure gold.
The orchestra began to take on professional approach and a large percentage of the membership took on roles in organizing.

When I wanted to know something of the inner workings of the DVO, I got Peter aside for a chat. 
With a twinkle in his eye, he would tactfully satisfy my question.

Diana, you have my deepest sympathies.

Rick Nielsen,  horn

Peter & Diana for a number of years helped me teach square dancing to beginning dancers. I was the caller and they were the "angels". The angels were experienced dancers that helped new dancers. The picture that I have included is Peter helping at a dance that I called for Chinese seniors that in most cases could not speak English. I am going to miss his presence on the floor.

Dear Lauren and Diana,
I am so very sorry for your terrible loss.
As a reporter at CHCH, Peter was the one who helped me arrange stories and interviews when he looked after the civic hospitals’ PR. Then years later how wonderful to reconnect and learn he was your Dad Lauren during the MAC Kids telethons and then happily lugging around that gorgeous harp of yours at so many galas and fundraisers.  I will always remember his incredible smile, gracious nature and his obvious pride and devotion to his girls.
With deepest sympathy,
Connie Smith


So sorry for your loss Diana and Lauren! We will all miss Peter! Here's a photo of the Haldimand Woodlot Gang at one of our annual Director's Dinners.
- Marilyn Hunter & Robert Whittaker

Dear Diana and Lauren,
The news of Peter's death is very sad.  I remember you both  so well from Village Squares and the fun times we had there together. Don also remembered him from their days at Mac.  He will  be greatly missed but especially by you.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.


I met Peter on several occasions through my work and also knew him personally as the brother of Michael. My sincere sympathies to all of Peter's family in the loss of a lovely man.

Peter was always a family man who loved his family very much.

We will always remember Peter's history of square dancing and his generous spirit and willingness to help anyone at any time.  I even remember his willingness to being my Bridge partner when I needed one.

Diana and Lauren:   Angela and I are saddened for you both and for Peter. He loved life. Loved each of you even more. Undoubtedly he is going to miss caring for you as you his presence.

Peter served this community with devout interest for the well being of others. He is all and more of what is written about him and he showed considerate and warm friendship to me, something to be most grateful for. 

He was always the teacher, in the most humble ways.  Lives of many are changed through his endearing quality to hear about what others are feeling and thinking. His way of imparting what he knew about our lives on earth  was most interesting always.

We wish you comfort and solace. 

May he rest in peace.



We are very sorry for your loss.  Peter was a good friend and we will miss his humour, his intelligent & interesting contributions to the Woodlot Group where we met him.  He generously Shared his experience and knowledge.  We will miss him greatly.  

Peter was head of Audio-Visual & PR at Hamilton General & Henderson Hospitals - I was his counterpart at Chedoke-McMaster Hospitals in Hamilton. Our paths crossed on many occasions over the ten years of my service  and we shared mutual respect & friendship. We kept in touch even after Peter moved on with his professional career - I had the pleasure of meeting the Hill family and provide some photography for the talented Lauren with  her harp.

It is with great sadness that I learned of Peter’s passing but also with great pride to have been his friend!

MICHAEL

Dear Diana and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear husband and father. He will be sorely missed by all in the DVO.Our concerts will never be the same. His warm endearing smile welcomed all who attended and the meticulously detailed program booklets enhanced every performance.

May his memory be a blessing
Fondly
Charlotte Price

Diana and Lauren, I am so sad to hear of Peter’s passing 
He will be greatly missed by the Dundas Valley Orchestra. 
I, personally, will miss his cheerful greetings whenever I saw him and his kindness. 
Please accept my deepest sympathies. 
Peter will be missed. 

Brenda Hurlburt 


OBITUARIO

Peter Leslie Hill

3 abril, 1937 – 14 agosto, 2020

Marlatt Funeral Home, Swackhamer Chapel

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