Robert (Bob) Lorne Hills passed away early in the morning on Monday June 23, 2025, with his wife Christine Facette at his side. He was 69 years old. Bob was a loving big brother to his three siblings, the late Wendy Hills, Deanne McLaughlin (Terry) and Kevin Hills (Juli Ann Wall). Predeceased by his parents Arthur and Pauline (Barfoot) Hills. Survived by children Alexander McCann (Lena), Andrea McCann (Kentish Watson), and Matthew McCann (Maddie), many cousins, grandchildren, nieces, great nieces, nephews, great nephews, one great grandson and one great great nephew.
Bob was born and died in Ottawa, but lived all over the world both as a child and as an adult. He attended RMC in Kingston Ontario, graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree and a large number of lifelong friendships that continue to endure, 50 years later. He served with the Air Force for almost 30 years, retiring as a LCol at the age of 48, after which he met his wife to be through mutual friends. Together they travelled, enjoyed many music concerts, football games, and the simple pleasures of staying home, reading books on the deck, swimming, fires in the fireplace and entertaining friends and family. Bob had a wonderful dry wit and the ability to see the humour in every situation. He was an avid fan of board gaming, from which he developed several deep friendships.
Hosting parties was a passion, particularly his neighbourhood Christmas parties. This created a sense of community that extended to a monthly breakfast club of the street’s seniors.
He will be missed by all of his friends and family, including his in laws, who loved him as one of their own.
Bob’s last few months were spent at the Ottawa Heart Institute. A heartfelt thanks to the staff who cared for him there, particularly the nurses and doctors on H5. His final days were at St. Vincent’s Palliative Care Unit.
Donations to either of these organizations, in lieu of flowers, would be greatly appreciated.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Friday, July 11 from 12 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. in Beechwood’s Sacred Space, followed by the interment in the National Military Cemetery.
Digital Guestbook
Bev Dywan
Frank Daller
Bob was a sweet person and a great neighbour.
Jaimee Horn
Christine, we are so sorry for your loss. We know Alex, Lena, Jackson and Aiden all love spending time with you and Bob; and that he is deeply missed. We send our love and sincere condolences. Jaimee, Justin and Jacob
Jack Stalica
Bob was one of my first friends when I came to work in Ottawa. For several years, a small group of us had wonderful Friday evening boardgaming sessions. Later, we joined a poker night group where Bob always had a great follow-up comment to any joke around the table. Later, I met lovely Christine through him and both myself and my wife Gina had the pleasure of attending their fabulous neighbourhood Christmas parties (from almost around the corner) as well as many,many RedBlacks game side-by-side at Landsdowne. Sincere and heartfelt condolences to Christine and the family. We will surely miss Bob.
Lyle and Barbara Best
Our most sincere condolences to the family. He will be deeply missed—his warmth and friendliness, his prowess at the poker table, his quick wit and of course, his unforgettable sense of humour. He was truly one of a kind—someone whose presence made every gathering brighter.
Kevin Miller, classmate (Chem Eng '79)
So terribly sad to note Bob's passing and secure in the knowledge that he will be sorely missed.
Bob and I shared two years at RMC's chemistry laboratories earning our degrees; Bob and I commiserating because our carefully measured data points defined not the gently sloping curve we were supposed to get - but what looked more like a 3D rendering of a hockey puck! We diligently superimposed the anticipated curve over the mess and submitted our results. Both of us passed!
Looking at it again, there may be no better reflection of his accomplishments in life - not adhering to the expected or anticipated, drawing his own path with sincerity, and achieving every success!
Thinking and praying for his family and friends in the difficult time to come. TDV
Paula Dignan
Christine and family, so sorry for your loss.
My sincere condolences Christine, Deanne and Kevin. When we were young I got the opportunity to visit my cousin Bobby's family where I was received with open arms. I was glad to have been able to reconnect for Bob's 60th birthday in Ottawa. He was very accomplished and obviously a good community member. Take care Christine.