Obituary: Ryan Hill Firefighter

Ryan Hill, a beloved Ottawa firefighter, passed away at 37 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife Patricia and twin 4-year-old sons. Born in 1984 in Lindsay, Ontario, Hill served the Ottawa Fire Services for 10 years.

He was remembered for his dedication, friendship, and humor by fellow firefighters. Hill also had passions for hockey, rugby, and gardening outside of work. His life and legacy are honored through a planned Celebration of Life, charitable donations, and a memorial tree planting.

Quick Info

Age37 years (At the time of his Death)
Date of BirthDecember 9, 1984
BirthplaceLindsay, Ontario
NationalityCanadian
EthnicityWhite
Zodiac signSagittarius
ParentsFather: Roger Hill
Mother: Debbie Hill (Seward)
SiblingsBrother: Andrew (Danni)
Sister: Sarah
Relationship StatusMarried
ChildrenTwin Sons (Ryker, Reilly)
SpousePatricia
  • Ryan Hill was a firefighter with the Ottawa Fire Services for 10 years. He passed away on December 20, 2021 at age 37 after battling cancer.

  • He was born on December 9, 1984 in Lindsay, Ontario. His parents are Roger and Debbie Hill. He has a brother named Andrew and a sister named Sarah.

  • Ryan was married to his wife Patricia and they had twin sons together named Ryker and Reilly, who were 4 years old at the time of Ryan’s death.

  • He was diagnosed with brain cancer in December 2020 and battled the disease for nearly a year before passing away.

  • Ryan was remembered by his colleagues as a dedicated firefighter who was liked and respected. He worked at Stations 31 and 13 during his career.

  • Outside of work, he enjoyed hockey, rugby, gardening, and spending time with his family.

  • His funeral arrangements were handled by Hillcrest Funeral Home. Donations in his memory can be made to the Ottawa Firefighters Cancer Support Fund or Team Morgan for children’s cancer research.

Beloved Ottawa Firefighter, Ryan Hill, Died at the age of 37

Ryan Hill, a 37-year-old firefighter with Ottawa Fire Services, died on December 20, 2021 after a nearly year-long battle with brain cancer. Hill was a dedicated member of the fire service for 10 years.

“It is with great sadness that the Ottawa Fire Service announces the passing of Firefighter Ryan Hill. Ryan fought a courageous battle against cancer since being diagnosed in January 2021.”

Ottawa Fire Service state:

Hill passed away at Civic Hospital, where he had celebrated his 37th birthday the day before. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death. Hill had been diagnosed with brain cancer in January 2021 and underwent treatment over the past year.

Hill spent the majority of his career at Station 31 before transferring to Station 13, Platoon A. His fellow firefighters remember him fondly for his service, dedication to the job, and friendship. “He was proud of his job,” said longtime colleague Martin Herdé, “He was proud to be a dad, He was proud to be a husband.”

Hill is survived by his wife Patricia and their four-year-old twin sons, Ryker and Reilly. Herdé described Patricia as the “love of [Hill’s] life.” Hill was known among colleagues for his devotion to his family.

Ryan Hill was a Beloved Husband and a father of Twins sons

Ryan Hill was a loving husband and father. Hill was happily married to his wife Patricia, who he considered the love of his life.

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Together, Hill and Patricia raised four-year-old twin boys named Ryker and Reilly. Colleagues say Hill was willing to give anything for the sake of his wife and children.

His Early Life and Family

Ryan Hill was born on December 9, 1984 in Lindsay, Ontario. He developed a lifelong love for the Toronto Maple Leafs that he shared with his mother while growing up.

Hill was the beloved son of Roger and Debbie Hill (Seward) of Lindsay. He adored his family, including his wife Patricia and their twin boys Ryker and Reilly.

Hill is survived by his siblings Andrew (Danni) and Sarah, as well as several in-laws including Neil and Chris Anderson. He was a cherished uncle to Lyla, Kye, Hayden, Beckett and Rhys Anderson.

Ryan Hill Firefighter
Pic: Ryan Hill Firefighter (Source: Internet)

When he wasn’t on duty as a firefighter, Hill pursued gardening and landscaping as hobbies he was talented in. He learned the skills from his father while working in greenhouses growing up. Hill loved spending time cultivating gardens into beautiful oases with his family.

After graduating high school from I.E. Weldon Secondary in 2002, Hill went on to earn a degree in Sociology and Anthropology from Carleton University in 2008. He later trained as a firefighter at Algonquin College before embarking on his 10-year career with Ottawa Fire Services.

Early Career of Ryan Hill

In addition to his firefighting career, Ryan Hill pursued various passions and hobbies throughout his life.

Though hockey was a newer interest, Hill joined the Ottawa Fire Department’s recreational league in recent years. As a novice player, he improved quickly and most enjoyed the camaraderie with his fellow firefighters.

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Hill’s hockey skills were likely developed from his earlier talent for rugby. He started playing rugby at age 10 with the Lindsay Rugby Football Club. In university, Hill played varsity rugby for three years with the Carleton University Ravens.

Before his decade with Ottawa Fire Services, Hill served briefly as a volunteer firefighter in Kawartha Lakes. Throughout his firefighting career, Hill was known as a well-liked and respected member of the service. His dedication and friendship will be especially missed by the members of Station 13 Platoon A.

Funeral and his Legacy

Martin Herdé, a 23-year firefighting veteran with Ottawa Fire Services, notes that he has lost many co-workers to occupational cancers and hazards throughout his career. Herdé worked alongside Ryan Hill for many years before Hill’s death from brain cancer.

The Ottawa Fire Service will hold a future Celebration of Life to honor Hill’s service and memory. Details are still pending for the commemorative event.

Ryan Hill Firefighter Obituary
Pic: Ryan Hill Firefighter Obituary (Source: Internet)

In lieu of flowers, Hill’s family suggests donations to the Ottawa Firefighters Cancer Support Fund or Team Morgan, which funds pediatric cancer research at CHEO hospital. Donations can be made to Frontline Financial Credit Union.

A tree will be planted in Hill’s honor at the McAlpine Forever Forest. This living memorial will commemorate his life and service.

Funeral arrangements for Ryan Hill are being coordinated by Hillcrest Funeral Home Ltd. in Vankleek Hill, Ontario.

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