Obituaries

HILL, Allan Lennard

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION:

Allan Lennard Hill of Kelowna, British Columbia died peacefully at home on January 7, 2023 with his wife, Ann Haymond Hill by his side. Allan’s memory will be kept alive by Ann, his brother Wayne Hill (Delcie), nieces Cher Hill (Rob McTavish) and their children, Nichole Richard (Grant) and their children, brother Murray Hill, niece Jennifer Kluth (Jon) and their children, and many other members of the extended Haymond-Hill family. Allan’s friends, former colleagues and countless others whose lives he touched will also keep his memory close. Even those who knew Allan in casual ways know that he was most certainly “one of a kind,” whose generous spirit, wry humour and endless kindnesses will sorely be missed.

Born into a longstanding Kelowna family, Allan was the second son of Wilbur and Mabel Hill (nee Jones). Eternally curious, Allan’s drive to investigate how things worked was fueled from an early age. Having worked in orchards, sawmills and irrigation operations, including the family business Peerless Pipe and Equipment, Allan went on to attend Okanagan College in the Electronic Engineering Technology program. His passion for discovery continued throughout his life. Allan specialised in designing circuit boards, fencing and irrigation, and fabricating metal racks for ski shops. Well-versed in computer sciences, general mechanics, pumps, circuitry and electrical engineering and countless other subjects, Allan augmented his formal training throughout his life. He went on to instruct in the Electronic Engineering Technology program (amongst other technology programs) at Okanagan College from 1980 until his retirement in 2007. His active mind was always on the go; he could often be found at the dining table tutoring students, or mentoring gifted middle and secondary school students in electronics and engineering. Generous with his time and knowledge, his phone often rang from others seeking his guidance on complex projects.

Allan married Ann Haymond originally from Rossland, BC, in 1979. Together they built their life and careers in Kelowna and summered at the Haymond home at Christina Lake where, in later years, they generously opened their home to many.

Allan loved to discover; whether it be designing a unique welder or building a cedar canoe. Allan found more joy in the process of doing, but not necessarily completing any number of projects he’d have on the go (much to Ann’s chagrin). If ever someone was in need of a plumber, electrician or fencing contractor, Allan was quick to offer his assistance and tools (of which he had many squirrelled away in his shed).

Though he had the steel trap mind of an engineer, Allan had the heart and soul of an artist with a deep love of Shakespeare, poetry and limericks, visual arts, philosophy, history and music of all types. An amateur cook, Allan took great pleasure in selecting and butchering prime cuts of meat or baking apple pie in square pans. A kind and gentle human being, Allan also had an abiding love for animals. He could always be counted on for extra pats, a sneaky piece of cheese, or hours of ear rubs for his favourite furry friends.

Allan thoroughly enjoyed outdoor adventures: swimming with his self-designed “butt-light,” river canoeing, ocean kayaking, cycling, hiking trails and skiing. He was also a member of the Big White Ski Patrol for a time.

Over the years he encouraged people of all ages and even casual acquaintances to “keep learning.” As part of his life’s mission, Allan established the Haymond-Hill Award in Electronic Engineering and Wet Water Engineering (formerly Water Quality Engineering) at Okanagan College with the hopes of helping others to achieve their life goals.

Grateful for the many blessings he enjoyed throughout his life, for Allan, sharing really was caring as was evidenced by his efforts canvassing for a variety of causes, volunteering his personal time and funding support for many individuals and organisations.

His many friends and extended family know that above all, Allan liked nothing more than making others smile and laugh. His sense of humour was one of the hallmarks of Allan’s endearing personality - whether it was a limerick, a cheeky aside, explaining the space time continuum so it was easily grasped, or telling his favourite Wide Mouthed Frog story - he took such pleasure in spending time and sharing with others.

A tribute to Allan will be held on Thursday, June 8th, 2023 between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM from Lindon House, 1449 Ethel Street , Kelowna.
An RSVP is requested by May 26th, 2023 , send you RSVP to [email protected]
Photo's, written stories or other tributes of Allen are welcome that day.

For those who wish to make a donation in Allan’s name please support any of the causes close to Allan’s or your own heart.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that’s the stuff life is made of.”
B. Franklin

Link: www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Condolence Messages

Feb 27, 2023
Alan and I worked together at Peerless Pipe in the late 70s. He was the smartest coworker I have ever had. He challenged me like no one else has ever done. I owe him so very much. He changed my life for the better.

I am so sorry for your loss.

Jack Dafoe - Jack Dafoe
Feb 12, 2023
It was a pleasure to work with Alan at Peerless Pipe. Alan was a kind hearted genius full of knowledge and he was generous with sharing his knowledge. Enjoyed his humor and zest for life..... he had a great influence on me. Rest in peace Alan. Condolences to your family. - Peter Nisse
Feb 04, 2023
So sorry for your loss Ann. It’s been many years since I’ve seen you two. Alan was always such a kind and funny man. My girls loved. Met you through your best friend Sheila. Renate Mattson - Renate Mattson
Jan 31, 2023
I really was honoured to have spent time with Alan while I stayed at the Cameron's as a Rowcliffe Road neighbor while they were away and even when they were not away. We watched out for each other while I stayed there and he helped me with the hounds when I was at work knowing they preferred him anyhow - it was always peace of mind knowing he was there if I needed him. I paid him in Coke Zero's for his help and he would keep me company in the evenings telling me stories or his easy roast chicken recipe while you were at the cabin and he was fending for himself, or a funny limerick or joke. I have missed our talks the last couple of years. I am thinking of you.

Sarah Allcock - Sarah Allcock
Jan 30, 2023
Ann, words are never enough at these times but we want you to know that you are in our thoughts. Pauline & Bill Fleming - Pauline Fleming
Jan 30, 2023
Ann I was sorry to hear of your loss but know you have lots of wonderful memories

Thinking of you - Lynne Deacon
Jan 28, 2023
Ann, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your dear Allan. Your devotion to each other is inspiring. I hope time will be kind to you and your memories will comfort you. - Heather
Jan 28, 2023
Ann, I was very saddened to hear of Allan’s passing. You wrote a lovely obituary and I can see what a wonderful man Allan was and what a beautiful life you two carved out together. This is a difficult time but I hope your many precious memories will bring you some comfort. You are in my thoughts and I am sending you my sincere condolences.

Genuinely,

Tracy Meier - Tracy Meier
Jan 28, 2023
Ann, I am truly sorry to hear of the passing of Allan. My sincerest condolences to you and the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. - Peter Molloy
Jan 28, 2023
Dear Ann

I am so saddened to hear of Alan’s passing . He was such a lovely man! I will always remember Alan’s twinkle and ability to break into an engaging story in a heartbeat. He was brilliant and humble man . Our family was very grateful for the countless hours Alan spent with Michael in the lab . Rest peacefully Alan. It was a life well lived .
Jan 28, 2023
Ann...We are saddened by the loss of your soulmate and our true and dear friend Allan.

He was a gentle, kind, genuine man; talented and gifted.

He was a teacher to all who knew him.

He gathered many friends and admirers over his years with his humour, generosity and acceptance.

We will miss him. - Bob and Di
Jan 27, 2023
Ann

I am very sorry to learn of your loss.

Look up and remember the good times.

- Dianne Keuhl
Jan 27, 2023
Ann, you know how much I love both you and Al. Next door neighbours for 16 years when we arrived from Toronto and not knowing what to expect we arrived to find you two beautiful souls. Al was such a special guy and we had so many laughs and good times over the years with both him and you. He was such a smart and gentle soul and a great friend for over 30 years. He loved our Paris dog and the many crosswords we did together on our special sundays together. Al and I had a special bond and I loved him dearly he was a gentle and kind man and I miss him so. Take good care Ann and I’ll see you soon. All my love, Lore.
Jan 27, 2023
Dear Ann, I am sorry to heard of the loss of your husband, Allan. My deepest sympathy. Christine - Christine Whittaker
Jan 27, 2023
I had the pleasure of learning from Al. Al was a fantastic instructor and a better human being. As someone else said he taught the toughest subject but found a way to get you to understand. As students we go to Al for an explanation of what we were learning in other classes.

Keith. Electronic Engineering 88 - Keith Grange
Jan 27, 2023
Al.. a sweet gentle man to talk to during times at Okanagan College..there were so many good conversations..so much laughs!

Rest in peace Allan!

Dave Sandberg - David Sandberg
Jan 27, 2023
Ann, I was so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband Allan. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Hugs, Linda MacDonald - Linda MacDonald
Jan 27, 2023
So sorry to hear of your loss, Ann. May wonderful memories of your many years with Allan bring you comfort and peace - and a lot of smiles. - Donna Rubadeau
Jan 27, 2023
Ann, I am so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. What a brilliant, compassionate, giving man. I called Al a friend while attending the Electronics Engineering Technology program. I have a few of many stories to share. I remember him engineering and building a plotter….. before plotters were even really a thing. I also remember the potato hollow heart detection machine he designed and was put into production. Another thing I remember is who would ever need a scientific calculator as long as Al was there. Logs and trigonometry off the top of his head. While a student himself, giving struggling students as much of his time as needed to understand a concept. While so intelligent could he ever dumb things down! Never condescending, always respectful. I know there are students, such as myself, that can attribute some of Al’s help to our ultimate success in life. As an instructor I can only imagine how understood and respected he would have been. I also had the good fortune to attend very welcoming backyard parties at your home. With distance and time we did not cross paths often, but I will hang on to the memories. - Brian Heichert
Jan 27, 2023

Fond memories of a fine, respected, George Pringle School classmate. Condolences to the family.

Richard Smith class of '60 - Richard Smith
Jan 27, 2023
Allan was a great guy

our thoughts and prayers are with you

Domenic and Lina Rampone - Domenic and Lina Rampone
Jan 26, 2023
My condolences, Ann; I'm very sorry to hear of Allan's passing. Allan was a kind and brilliant man, and I'm very thankful to have been the recipient of many hours of his mentorship when I was a teenager. He could think his way through anything, and was an incredible teacher. I use wisdom I learned from Allan every day, and I owe him a lot for it! - Mike Neufeld
Jan 26, 2023
We were saddened to hear of Allan's passing. Years ago our families were very close. I worked with Allan at Peerless Pipe for two summers but we also shared many family times growing up. I remember Allan coming over for one of my Italian mom's famous spaghetti dinners and with a twinkle in his eye telling mom she was really making Chinese food "atsa matta that boy" but next time he came over she had little paper umbrellas on his plate. We would go to the Hill's house across the lake and us kids just couldn't wait to see what Allan was up to. He built a bomb shelter and had the whole yard electronically wired to fend off the Russian soldiers. He was not a man ahead of his time, he was too busy absorbing everything in his time. To the entire Hill family, please accept our sincere condolences. We will not forget Allan. The Campbell family. - Vic Campbell
Jan 26, 2023
Ann, I am so sorry to hear of Allan's passing. It's been awhile since we saw you two and now that we are in Winnipeg, I had no idea he was ill. I enjoyed you both so much and I know that you will have many memories and will continue to 'talk' to him about those. Take care my friend. - Maureen Mieras
Jan 26, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss, Ann. My sincere condolences , love and hugs at this sad time.

Betty Osborne - Betty Osborne
Jan 26, 2023
Dear Ann,

I'm so sorry to learn of Allan's passing. I don't think I ever met him; obviously I really missed out. I'm so sorry for your great loss, Ann.

Take care, old friend. Maybe see you at Christina. - Ricki Ewings
Jan 26, 2023
All the Best Wayne. I had the opportunity of meeting Allan and talking with him a few times , back when I painter the Peerless Pipe Building ! Remembered as a kind and thoughtful guy .

RIP Allan,

Peter Turgoose - Peter Turgoose
Jan 26, 2023
Ann, Sincere condolences and so sorry to read of Allen's passing. My thoughts are with you. - Gabriele Walz
Jan 26, 2023
Ann, Thinking of you in this time of sorrow. Wishing you well. Paul Mulvihill - Paul Mulvihill
Jan 26, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear about Allan, Ann. I have fond memories of your wedding. I hope I get to connect with you. Sending love.

Doris Hewitson.
Jan 26, 2023
Thinking of you Ann. Condolences from us both

Roly and Jan Harvey
Jan 26, 2023
I often wondered what happened to Allan. He was an instructor in 1981-83 when I took the Electronics course at OK College. I never thought he was an actual teacher somehow, just kinda there, but the most brilliant of them all. Very kind and helpful and patient. Tough course, 80% math but he was literally a genius with it. He even had the guys over to his house once. I am amazed that he continued at the college until 2007. He was obviously employed there but I was a kid at the time and naive. Sorry to see him gone but he contributed immensely to this world and made it a better place. - Al Johnson.
Jan 26, 2023
Dear Ann and family,

We are so saddened to hear of Allan's passing. May you be comforted that Allan is resting in peace during this difficult time.

Carol Kozoway and E. Donald Smith - Carol Kozoway
Jan 26, 2023
Dear Ann, I’m so very sorry to hear of Allan’s passing. He was a quiet, kind soul and I know you will miss him terribly.

Much love, Deana Hills - Deana Hills
Jan 25, 2023
Ann, so sorry for your loss. Allan had a great sense of honour and quick wit. Thinking of you at this time

Bonnie Browns
Jan 25, 2023
Ann and Family so saddened to hear of Allan's passing! Great person! Great sense of humour! My condolences on his passing as he will be missed!

Respectfully,

Dave C. - Dave C.
Jan 25, 2023
Ann, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss! Sending sincere condolences, and wishing you peace found in the passage of time and your beautiful memories. Very sincerely, Carol McFadyen. - Carol McFadyen
Jan 25, 2023
I’am sorry to hear of Allan’s passing , my thoughts are with his family , I worked with Allan at Peerless Pipe & Equipment for a few years , he was always pleasant with all the people he worked with or customers , if you needed to know anything about anything Allan was who you needed to talk to .

Steve Trefry
Jan 25, 2023
Ann, I’m so sorry to learn of your loss! Sending sincere condolences, and wishing you peace found in the passage of time and your beautiful memories. Very sincerely, Carol McFadyen. - Carol McFadyen