Robert Thomas “Bob” Hill
We are sad to announce the death of Bob Hill on Monday, June 22, 2026, surrounded by family at Carman Hospital. Bob, the youngest son of John and Edra Hill, was born on February 28, 1951, in Neepawa Hospital. He spent his early years in a rural setting in Mentmore, Manitoba. He often mentioned gatherings and good times with cousins, aunts, and uncles—family was important to him.
Bob and Betty met in Neepawa when she came to gas up her car at Ideal Service Station, where Bob worked. Magic happened, and in 1974 they married and set up a home in Neepawa together. They then moved to Carman in 1981 to be closer to Bob’s workplace at Homewood.
Flying was Bob’s passion from an early age. He joined the Air Cadets and then obtained his private pilot’s licence in 1969, followed by his commercial pilot’s licence in 1972. He worked for Gordon Murray at Aerial Spray and Charter, initially as a mixer-loader, then as a pilot on hydro line patrol, and later as an aerial applicator. Gorden, Doreen, Brenda, Bruce, and Dennis were like his second family. When Gordon retired, Bob purchased Aerial Spray and Charter and operated it until his own retirement.
Bob often remarked that his greatest achievement was that he raised five children who were great human beings. They chose to be nearby and were a very active part of his life. They and their partners blessed him with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They all played a huge part in the running and operation of the company by being employed as markers (before the advent of GPS), mixers, and office staff. Many happy memories were made at the Homewood airstrip, with early mornings and hectic workdays, but everyone looked forward to the end-of-season activities, which usually meant games, great food, camping, and fireworks.
Bob appreciated all his customers, former employees, and anyone associated with Aerial Spray and Charter. He made many lifelong friends at the Homewood Co-op in the early morning coffee crowd.
Winters were spent at Froebe’s seed plant, where Bob was known as “the Right Honourable Bob Hill.” He shared many years as an employee and friend of Earl, Lal, Bruce, and Murray Froebe. He often commented favourably on Lal’s yearly birthday cakes. Lal often mentioned how Bob’s presence always brought life to the farm and seed plant. Bob and Earl shared a mutual interest in the various gadgets they owned. Bob made many lasting friendships with coworkers, and his tendency toward playing pranks and sharing jokes often showed itself at Froebe’s.
Over the years, Bob inspired and mentored many young pilots with his zeal and love of aviation. Since Bob’s diagnosis with brain cancer in 2020, his kids and their partners, along with Bob’s grandchildren, were involved in taking him to appointments and treatments and helping with the needs and challenges that illness brings. He felt very grateful.
Despite his declining health, he managed to attend the University of Manitoba with his granddaughter for a beekeeping course, went downhill skiing with his kids and grandkids this past March, and rode many miles on his E-bike on the many trails of Carman, along with his faithful companion, Frankie, in the basket.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will fondly remember Bob’s deep appreciation for nature, from his constant monitoring of the weather to his ability to identify countless bird species. They will remember his talent for making and using slingshots, his never-ending pranks, his patient lessons on backing up a trailer behind a truck for half a mile, and the unmistakable whistle he used to call the kids home for supper.
Upon Bob’s diagnosis––his children made it a point to show up to their parent’s home each Sunday––laden with food–– in order to spend more time with him. Family will never see a Kit-kat bar or butter tart––without thinking of their dad, how Bob treasured these visits. They will all treasure his gesture of three little hand squeezes, meaning “I love you.”
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his children and their spouses/partners, Lori, (Howard), Jody, (Bob), Robyn, (Glennis), John, (Mandy), and Steven; his grandchildren and their spouses/partners, Gary, Barb, (Jon), Melissa, Jordan, (Kourtney), Bailey, Hunter, (Keala), Dawson, John-Wayne, and Bennett; and his great-grandchildren, Seth, Braeden, Brooklyn, Brielle, Sophie, and Asher. Bob was predeceased by his parents, John and Edra, and his brothers, Jack and Jim.
The family would like to thank Dr. Clayden for his wonderful care of Bob through the years; all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cancer Care Manitoba in Winnipeg and Boundary Trails; and the staff at Carman Hospital for the exceptional care given to him and his family in his final few days in palliative care. Thanks also to all the neighbours, friends, and family who have given so freely of their time and support. We appreciate your kindness.
We are sad to announce the death of Bob Hill on Monday, June 22, 2026, surrounded by family at Carman Hospital. Bob, the youngest son of John and Edra Hill, was born on February 28, 1951, in Neepawa Hospital. He spent his early years in a rural setting in Mentmore, Manitoba. He often mentioned gatherings and good times with cousins, aunts, and uncles—family was important to him.
Bob and Betty met in Neepawa when she came to gas up her car at Ideal Service Station, where Bob worked. Magic happened, and in 1974 they married and set up a home in Neepawa together. They then moved to Carman in 1981 to be closer to Bob’s workplace at Homewood.
Flying was Bob’s passion from an early age. He joined the Air Cadets and then obtained his private pilot’s licence in 1969, followed by his commercial pilot’s licence in 1972. He worked for Gordon Murray at Aerial Spray and Charter, initially as a mixer-loader, then as a pilot on hydro line patrol, and later as an aerial applicator. Gorden, Doreen, Brenda, Bruce, and Dennis were like his second family. When Gordon retired, Bob purchased Aerial Spray and Charter and operated it until his own retirement.
Bob often remarked that his greatest achievement was that he raised five children who were great human beings. They chose to be nearby and were a very active part of his life. They and their partners blessed him with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. They all played a huge part in the running and operation of the company by being employed as markers (before the advent of GPS), mixers, and office staff. Many happy memories were made at the Homewood airstrip, with early mornings and hectic workdays, but everyone looked forward to the end-of-season activities, which usually meant games, great food, camping, and fireworks.
Bob appreciated all his customers, former employees, and anyone associated with Aerial Spray and Charter. He made many lifelong friends at the Homewood Co-op in the early morning coffee crowd.
Winters were spent at Froebe’s seed plant, where Bob was known as “the Right Honourable Bob Hill.” He shared many years as an employee and friend of Earl, Lal, Bruce, and Murray Froebe. He often commented favourably on Lal’s yearly birthday cakes. Lal often mentioned how Bob’s presence always brought life to the farm and seed plant. Bob and Earl shared a mutual interest in the various gadgets they owned. Bob made many lasting friendships with coworkers, and his tendency toward playing pranks and sharing jokes often showed itself at Froebe’s.
Over the years, Bob inspired and mentored many young pilots with his zeal and love of aviation. Since Bob’s diagnosis with brain cancer in 2020, his kids and their partners, along with Bob’s grandchildren, were involved in taking him to appointments and treatments and helping with the needs and challenges that illness brings. He felt very grateful.
Despite his declining health, he managed to attend the University of Manitoba with his granddaughter for a beekeeping course, went downhill skiing with his kids and grandkids this past March, and rode many miles on his E-bike on the many trails of Carman, along with his faithful companion, Frankie, in the basket.
His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will fondly remember Bob’s deep appreciation for nature, from his constant monitoring of the weather to his ability to identify countless bird species. They will remember his talent for making and using slingshots, his never-ending pranks, his patient lessons on backing up a trailer behind a truck for half a mile, and the unmistakable whistle he used to call the kids home for supper.
Upon Bob’s diagnosis––his children made it a point to show up to their parent’s home each Sunday––laden with food–– in order to spend more time with him. Family will never see a Kit-kat bar or butter tart––without thinking of their dad, how Bob treasured these visits. They will all treasure his gesture of three little hand squeezes, meaning “I love you.”
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty; his children and their spouses/partners, Lori, (Howard), Jody, (Bob), Robyn, (Glennis), John, (Mandy), and Steven; his grandchildren and their spouses/partners, Gary, Barb, (Jon), Melissa, Jordan, (Kourtney), Bailey, Hunter, (Keala), Dawson, John-Wayne, and Bennett; and his great-grandchildren, Seth, Braeden, Brooklyn, Brielle, Sophie, and Asher. Bob was predeceased by his parents, John and Edra, and his brothers, Jack and Jim.
The family would like to thank Dr. Clayden for his wonderful care of Bob through the years; all the doctors, nurses, and staff at Cancer Care Manitoba in Winnipeg and Boundary Trails; and the staff at Carman Hospital for the exceptional care given to him and his family in his final few days in palliative care. Thanks also to all the neighbours, friends, and family who have given so freely of their time and support. We appreciate your kindness.