At home surrounded by family John passed away peacefully October 30, 2019 after a very recent and aggressive cancer diagnosis. Loved and loving husband of Donna (nee Wakeford), devoted father of Amanda (Peter) Pieda, Amy (John) Macaulay and Christina (James Lepp). Cherished grandfather of Kayleigh, David and Stephanie Pieda; Jack, Owen and Nate Macaulay; and Victoria and Jonah Lepp. Dear brother of Joseph (Louise) Hill, Kimberley, B.C., Patrick (late Ruth) Hill, Leamington, Ontario. Dear brother-in-law to Bryan and Ruth Wakeford, Dianne and John Rivers and Stacy and Brent Wakeford, all of Ottawa. Treasured son-in-law of the late Vivian (Maheral) and Clifford Wakeford. Beloved uncle to several nieces and nephews whom he adored. Family meant the world to John. John was born in Fort Frances, Ontario the loving son of the late Doris (Calder) and Andrew Hill. He moved to Huntsville, Ontario in 1964 where he attended and graduated from Huntsville High School. He attended Laurentian University in Sudbury and subsequently graduated from the University of Ottawa in Civil Engineering, where he met the love of his life, Donna, at an Engineering/Nursing skating party. As a Civil Engineer, John was involved in bridge construction and road building. He found his calling as the Executive Director of the Canadian Roofing Contractors’ Association, a position he held for 25 years. John was talented in so many ways. He was creative and handy, and could solve any issue with a quick redesign. John was a passionate golfer, often playing 27-36 holes in a day with his brother Paddy. He was a loyal CFL fan holding season tickets with Rough Riders, Renegades and RedBlacks franchises. He instilled the love of the game in his daughters. He loved cars, from sports cars to luxury vehicles and everything in between. Eight years ago, John took on a new role, one that would be a part of his legacy. He became a grandfather and his grandchildren were his world. His eight grandchildren adored him and the feeling was mutual. Friends and family may gather at McEvoy-Shields Funeral Home, 1411 Hunt Club Road, on Sunday November 3 from 5-8 pm. Funeral will be held on Monday November 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, 685 Walkley Road, Ottawa, Ontario. Reception to follow in parish hall. In memory of John, donations may be made to The Snowsuit Fund and The Christmas Exchange.
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