With heavy hearts, our family shares that Tony (Hugh) Hill passed away at the age of 73 in Barrie, Ontario on March 29th, 2026.
Tony was born on November 11th, 1952 to Zena and Lloyd Hill in Huntsville, Ontario. He was the younger brother to his sisters Gay and Joy. Growing up in Hillside with a loving family and close friends – including his honorary brother Bruce Ransom – Tony really thrived. It helped shape his “can do” attitude that showed up in everything he did: work, family, friends, and all his hobbies.
In 1972, Tony left Huntsville to study Respiratory Therapy at the Toronto Institute of Medical Technology (TIMT). During those years he made lifelong friendships through school and training. He had a long career working for several hospitals and companies. Tony met Linda while they were both at Etobicoke General Hospital; apparently his boss once sent him to “check out the new girl” in the cafeteria! Before retiring, he spent his final working years at Southlake Hospital where he really enjoyed being part of a great team of therapists.
Tony loved trying new things. Just a year into being a respiratory therapist, he sold his car and set off with his best friend John Malone for six months backpacking across Europe-from Amsterdam all the way down to Greece. That wanderlust stuck with him later when he’d take day trips with Linda around rural Ontario in his cherished ’76 Triumph Spitfire or longer trips with friends to places like Manitoulin Island, Killarney Provincial Park, Alexandria Bay NY, Woodstock NY, and Cape Cod. A huge Bob Dylan fan himself, Tony was excited to visit the house where Dylan recorded “Music from Big Pink.” He also enjoyed playing guitar and jamming with buddies whenever he could.
He had a real love for nature too. Tony was proud to be part of the Loon Lake Hunt Club where he served as board member-and even president-for two years. His dad Lloyd had been a guide there too which made it special when Tony could spend time at the property alongside Lloyd and James sharing their love for hunting, fishing and club events. The Father-Son weekend was definitely one of the highlights each year.
Tony is survived by his wife Linda (née Crowe); son James along with daughter-in-law Tina (née Swatton); their precious granddaughter Belle; sister Sue and her husband Charles Hamilton; brother-in-law William (Bill) Mootz along with nephew Paul Mootz; niece Andrea Pulford (née Swan) plus her husband Rob Pulford and their sons Nathan and Liam. Close friends include Jim & Sheila Orton; Dan & Nilamma Hope; John & Patti Malone.
He was predeceased by parents Lloyd & Zena Hill; sisters Joy (Mootz), Gay (Swan); brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Swan; nephew Robert (Robbie) Swan.
The family kindly asks that donations be made instead of flowers-to Hospice Simcoe at 336 Penetanguishine Road Barrie-where Dr. Lai and staff gave incredible care during Tony’s last days helping our whole family through this tough time.
Visitation will happen April 7th from 6-9 pm at Legacy Funeral Home located at 55 Cedar Pointe Drive Barrie (parking/entrance on Hwy 400 side).
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday July 11th from 1pm-4pm at Loon Lake Hunt Club-details coming soon.
