Dufferin mourns former warden
Dufferin County officials were saddened to learn of the death of former warden Bill Hill on March 28.
As a mentor to those who served on various councils, boards and committees over the years Hill left a lasting impression deeply rooted in honour and integrity.
“Today we lost one of the most community minded men that I have ever had the privilege to work with”, Mulmur mayor and County Warden Paul Mills, a sentiment that has been echoed by many current and former members of County Council.
Having served on Shelburne town council, Melancthon Township council the former Dufferin County School Board and county council there were lots of memories to share.
County CAO, Sonya Pritchard expressed her respect and admiration for Hill and the strong leadership role he played in moving the County of Dufferin through the process to adopt the first County Official Plan.
The former Deputy Mayor of Amaranth and the one-time Warden of Dufferin County, Walter Kolodziechuk stated that there have been very few people in politics who could measure up to Hill’s example.
From his participation in community events to some of the more persuasive discussions about what was best for the residents of Dufferin, his impact on the community will be long lasting.
Hill was the driving force behind the development of the annual scholarship that Dufferin County offers for students pursuing higher education and apprenticeships. Investing in the future of Dufferin County was a consistent theme in all of his work as an elected official and his willingness to get his hands dirty was undeniable. Staff recalled a time when, in the early morning hours of Canada Day 2014, Hill was ankle deep in a Pine River tributary making sure run off from an industrial fire didn’t contaminate a cold water stream.
After his retirement in 2014 Hill and his “beautiful bride” as he called his wife Alma moved to the shores of Lake Couchiching to enjoy time with their family.
“As a colleague and a true friend, Bill Hill, will be truly missed by all of us,” said Mills.
Flags at the County of Dufferin Courthouse were lowered to half-staff this week.
