Andrew James Hillier
elevated 28AGg February 5, 1945 ~ August 20, 2018
elevated 28AGg Visitation
Sunday, August 26, 2018 from 2 – 4 & 6 – 8 pm
elevated 28AGg Monday, August 27, 2018 from 10 – 11 am
elevated 28AGg Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 28AGg Funeral Mass
Monday, August 27 at 11:30 am
elevated 28AGg Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, ON, L3T 3Z6
elevated 28AGg Interment
Christ the King Catholic Cemetery – Use Ressor Road entrance
7770 Steeles Avenue East, Markham, ON, L6B 1A8
elevated 28AGg Obituary
elevated 28AGg Andrew James Hillier, 73, of Scarborough, Ontario, passed away surrounded by his family on August 20, 2018 after a hard fought battle with a sudden illness. Andy is survived by his wife Dena (née Marques) of 39 years, sons Robert (Sherry Sayers) and Christopher, daughter Sara (Eric Lamy), grandson Reid and granddaughters Max and Blake Lamy, sister Ruth Burton, step-brother Robert Vallis (June), sisters-in-law Miranda Pinto, Christine Steeves (Brian), Michaela Marques, Maria Raymond (Ivan Brookes), Teresa Van Fleet (Peter McAdam), aunt Lucy Robbins and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his father Andrew Hillier, mother Helen May Vallis (nee Robbins), his step-father Llewllyn Vallis, sister June Hillier, his step-siblings Fred Vallis, Roy Vallis, Marion Wessell and Betty Smith (Bill), brother-in-law Bruce Burton, aunts Belle Robbins, Ivy Robbins (Neil Oakley), uncles Fred Robbins (Betty) and George Robbins. Andy was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend. He was proud of his children, his grandchildren and the home he and Dena had worked hard to provide for their family. He loved his native Newfoundland, rock n roll, playing his guitar and a cold beer. He was a graduate of University of Toronto where he majored in philosophy and minored in anthropology. He believed learning was a lifelong endeavour and filled the house with his books. He was knowledgeable on many topics and would chat for hours about sports, politics, etc. He was quick to laugh, an independent thinker and always did things the way he wanted. Recently he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and passing on his extensive knowledge to them. He was a devoted husband and happily assisted Dena with her many charitable causes over the years. Through Dena he was an honourary member of Prince of Peace Parish. He was always gifting his family with his finds from thrift stores, taking care to chose things he thought they would like. He was an inspiration to his children and grandchildren and will be deeply missed.
elevated 28AGg Reception
elevated 28AGg Christ the King Cemetery (7770 Steeles Ave E Markham) – Following the interment
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Sara & family; I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing. I only had the pleasure of meeting him on a few occasions but you could see how happy he was when he was with your kids and obviously loved spending time with them. I know you have many wonderful memories to carry you through this very sad time. Condolences to you and all of your family.
Sorry for your loss
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Henry
Ruth and Jim’s family
Saddened to read of your Brother/Dad’s passing. I have fond memories of him while growing up in Port Anson. May your precious memories gladden your hearts today and in the days ahead!
Dear Aunt Dena, Sara, Bobbie and Christopher,
I know it has been a very long time since we have talked together, still, I was deeply saddened to hear of Uncle Jimmy’s passing. It truly has been a difficult few years for our extended family.
As I get older, there are many things that I have forgotten (mostly about my own life!) but there are some things that are just as vivid today as when I was a little girl. Two of those indelible memories are of Uncle Jimmy (Mom always called him Jimmy).
I remember a tall, curly, dark-haired young man with dark-rimmed glasses who wore an airforce-style bomber jacket and rode a motorcycle–very James Dean!
I also remember a time when Andy and I were very little. We were staying at Nanny May’s. (I don’t think Jeff was born at the time). Andy and I may have been getting underfoot, maybe Nan needed a break, whatever the case, I remembering Uncle Jimmy taking us on our very first bus ride around St. John’s. I was so excited. It was an old brown diesel bus. I can still smell the diesel fumes. (To this day, when I smell diesel it brings me right back to that day). It was a beautiful, warm and sunny day. Uncle Jimmy sat in a seat in front of us, turning to smile and keep a watchful eye on us while we took in all the sights- I particularly remember passing the old Paramount Theatre.
I have never forgotten that day or the fond memory of Uncle Jimmy’s kindness.
To you all, warm thoughts and understanding.
Cyndi
Aunt Dena, Sara, Christopher and Robert. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. I have fond memories of Uncle Jim growing up when we visited Nan in St. John’s and on those too few occasions we got together as I got older. He was always good fun and will be deeply missed.
To Ruth, Dena, and families
Please accept my sincere condolences on Jim’s passing.
Wes shared with me many incidents and adventures that he and Jim shared.
May God rest Jim’s soul.
May happy memories of the past and bright hopes for the future be a comfort to you in the days ahead.
May God’s love and blessings surround you all.
Dena & Family:
Our deepest sympathy on your loss. Although I saw Jim very few times since he left Newfoundland for “Canada” we always exchanged cards at Christmas time. The last time I saw him was at his mother May’s ( my step- mother) funeral in October of 2000. My most vivid memory of Jim was when he , his mother and sister (Ruth) moved to St. John’s from Port Anson on Christmas eve in 1953. Jim was 8 and Ruth was 15 if my math is correct. This must have been a very difficult move for him and his sister: moving from a small outport community to the “big city” as well as moving into a strange house with me, my sister (Betty) and my big brother (Fred). Although Jim and I had the usual sibling squables, May was a good and loving mother to both of us and probably kept me out of the local orphanage.
Our best wishes go out to you all.
June & Bob Vallis