Thomas Vernon Hill
Tom Hill, aged 80, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on November 11, 2023. Tom was born at the Lady Willingdon Hospital in Ohsweken to parents, Alton “Knuck” Hill and Daisy Johnson (Hill) on May 9, 1943. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Roberta, his dear sister Rose Margaret, daughter Jessica (Ian) and grandchildren Daisy, Miles and Lyla “Bird”. Dear son-in-law to the late Phyllis Lickers (Keith), brother-in-law to Ron (Rebecca), Mary, Keith (Cathy), Mark (Linda), Constance, Kathleen, Dave (Barb), uncle, cousin, and friend to so many. Tom will be remembered for his endless generosity, kindness, creativity, and brilliant sense of humour.
Tom was an accomplished and internationally recognized visual artist, curator, art historian, mentor, author, playwright, and performer. He attended the Ontario College of Art and Design and began his career as a champion of First Nations arts at the Expo ’67 Indians of Canada Pavilion. Tom then went on to work at the National Gallery of Canada, the federal government and the Woodland Cultural Centre to curate numerous groundbreaking exhibitions and author countless papers and books, including Norval Morriseau and the emergence of the image-makers and Creation’s Journey. Tom was one of the chairs and principal authors of the 1992 Taskforce on Museums and First Peoples, a document that redefined the relationship between museums and Indigenous peoples in Canada. In honour of his accomplishments, Tom was the recipient of many awards including the Order of Ontario in 1993, honourary fellowships from the Canadian Museum Association and the Ontario College of Art and Design, the Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media Arts, and an honourary doctorate from Wilfred Laurier University. Tom enjoyed digging in his garden, singing with Old Mush, cooking elaborate meals, travelling anywhere and everywhere, painting, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Resting at Styres Funeral Home at 1798 Fourth Line Rd., Ohsweken on Tuesday November 14 for visitation from 6 – 8 pm. Then to his home for visitation on Wednesday, November 15, from 6 – 8 pm. Funeral service and burial will be held at Ohsweken Baptist Church at 1862 Fourth Line Rd. on Thursday November 16 at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Woodland Cultural Centre.
Condolences
Posted by
Elaine Bomberry & Murray Porter
on
Nov 13th, 2023
Dear Roberta & Family, We were truly saddened to hear about the passing of Tom. He inspired generations of Artists in many artistic disciplines all over Turtle Island. His influence will always be felt. Fly high and Rest in Paradise. Sending peace & prayers to all his Family & Friends.
Posted by
William Boyle
on
Nov 13th, 2023
Dear Roberta: I was so saddened to hear this terrible news. I’ve known Tom since the 1970’s and have so much enjoyed the many times we were together. He helped me on many projects and was always so wise and thoughtful. He taught me many many things. Plus we always shared humour and laughs together. I will remember him so fondly, particularly his laughter and the sparkle in his eye. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences. What a huge loss for you, the community and for Canada.
With greatest respect. Bill Boyle
Posted by
Kelly Greene
on
Nov 13th, 2023
Dear Roberta & Family, My deepest condolences to you at this saddest time. Tom was the most influential and supportive person in my art career from the moment I met him in the late 80's, and I'll be forever grateful for his welcoming, helpful nature and his energetic, jovial personality, somehow making the task of leading the Woodland Cultural Centre for 23 years seem effortless, though everyone knows how hard he worked while he gave up his own art career to help so many artists. Finally seeing his artwork displayed at Woodland when Pat Deadman coordinated and curated his retrospective exhibit in 2021 gave us all a glimpse at what a tremendously multi-talented artist he was. I owe so much to Tom and will always remember and honour him.
With much love and gratitude, Kelly Greene
Posted by
janice johnson bowen
on
Nov 13th, 2023
Dear Roberta, Jessica and family, Margaret,
I am so saddened to hear of Tom's passing! He was one of my favorite cousins. There were many family gatherings in years gone by where Tom, Margaret (when home)and Nuck entertained the group. What fun times!
As a point of reference, I am the daughter of Melvin and Mary(Hill) Johnson, grandaughter of Susan (Anderson) and Richard Johnson and Hilton and Mabel (Styres) Hiill.
The last family event where I saw Tom was in 2004 at the wedding of Joel and Donna Johnson in Rochester, NY.
Joel is the son of my brother Doug and Jeanne Johnson of Niagara Falls, NY. It was a fun time for all!
I am sorry that I did not see Tom on my infrequent trips to Six Nations. What I do have are two of Tom's still lifes that he had given to my parents in the 1970's. When they moved to Florida, I asked that they give them to me. They grace the walls of my dining room.
In closing, my sympathies to all of you, and know that your loss is felt keenly by others.
RIP, Tom
Love,
Jan
Posted by
Gary Farmer
on
Nov 14th, 2023
My sincere condolences to family and friends...sure going to miss Tom. As a young person he set me straight on a lot of protocol that informed my long time career in performance. I will always remember him with fondness and love.
Posted by
Donna Cowan
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Roberta, Jessica and family and Marg Hill
My memories of Tom are : he was a cheerful, mischievous, outgoing, loveable person. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by all.
Posted by
Laura Kim Hill
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Sending sincere condolences to the family of Tom. He was a wonderful human being. So kind and talented. He gave so much to his community. May you find peace and comfort in his memory.
Posted by
Mike hager
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Roberta, so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and tremendous value to our community and the art community. Sending you kind thoughts and best wishes during this difficult time.Nia:wen,
Posted by
Rebecca Harrison
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Dear Roberta, family, and many friends of Tom: Sending my sincere condolences at this time with the loss of dear Tom. I will forever remember him as a sweet and kind man. My memories are of Tom, Spike and Mike visiting my parents on several occasions during the sixties, and listening to their storytelling in our backyard around a bonfire. Tom will be remembered as having a deep connection to this Nation's culture and history. His spirit will fly high with the eagles. You've earned your peace.
Posted by
Bernice Marsland
on
Nov 14th, 2023
I had the privilege of meeting Tom in Stratford when his sister Marg and her good friend Donna ( my cousin) came to stay with me at Braemar so they were close enough to do a blitz on the plays in .Stratford. Tom was at one of those plays. I always remembered his joyful nature and sense of humour. So very sorry for your loss. May your happy memories give you comfort in the days ahead.
Posted by
Deb Feeney Dee Greene
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Dear Birdie and family, Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your beloved Tom. It was always so apparent how loved he was and the love he had for his family and friends. He had such a kind loving spirit. May he Rest in Peace. Love to you all. Debby, Dee and family.
Posted by
Kim Thomas
on
Nov 14th, 2023
My sincere condolences Roberta and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. We have lost another great one. A job well done Tom - hope you're singing Ehsganye: Gae:naseh: on your journey home. Our Community will miss you.
Posted by
Martha Hanna
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Dear Roberta and Family,
My sincere condolences on your loss.
In his role as a Board Member of the National Gallery Canada I had the opportunity to spend time with Tom. I greatly appreciated his thoughtfulness, consideration, and guidance as well as his humour and joyfulness. He will be remembered.
Martha Hanna
Posted by
Lori Harris
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Sending love and condolences to all.
Posted by
Elfrieda and David Neumann
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Our sincere condolences to Roberta and her family. Tom was an amazing man - always willing to share his knowledge, his art, his good humour. It was a privilege to have known him. Sincerely, Elfrieda and David Neumann.
Posted by
Mike Zajmalowski
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Dear Ian & Jess - and the rest of the family,
Our condolences on your loss. Although I only met Tom a few times, the impact he's made in your lives is clear when we spend time together. From the artistic powers from Lyla to his influence on how you decorate your home with art that inspires, to Tom's influence on your lives to make you great human beings. Sending you our love and support.
Mike & Naomi
Posted by
John Moses
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Tom Hill was a pioneering Indigenous museologist and had been one of the specially commissioned artists at the ground-breaking, paradigm-shifting Indians of Canada Pavilion at Montreal's Expo 67. Mother Helen received the news this weekend. Mother Helen Monture Moses and late father Russ Moses were friends of Tom, and his extended family including sister Margaret and their parents. I had the privilege of knowing Tom and calling him friend, both from these family connections but also from our later work together on the First Peoples Hall and other projects at the former Canadian Museum of Civilization, now the Canadian Museum of History. Travel well, old friend.
Posted by
Sara Diamond
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Dear Roberta and Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing today. Tom was an incredible leader across so many dimensions, changed major institutions through his contributions, and opened countless doors for Indigenous artists and thinkers. Tom worked closely with me when I was at The Banff Centre to establish the Aboriginal Arts Program beginning in 1994, and to educate the Board of Governors about the nature of Indigenous cultures and the legacy of colonialism in Alberta and Canada. An OCAD alumni, he was a founding member of the Indigenous Education Council at OCAD University, a body that shaped the entire university's approach to decolonization, planning the Indigenous Visual Culture Program, creating research priorities, and support for Indigenous students from 2007 onwards. His creative impact of Woodlands is legendary as was his contributions to the Canadian Museum of History. And the list just continues. Beyond these achievements Tom was a supportive, brilliant mentor who taught me how to be an ally.
Posted by
Sara Diamond
on
Nov 14th, 2023
Dear Roberta and Family,
I was deeply saddened to learn of Tom's passing today. Tom was an incredible leader across so many dimensions, changed major institutions through his contributions, and opened countless doors for Indigenous artists and thinkers. Tom worked closely with me when I was at The Banff Centre to establish the Aboriginal Arts Program beginning in 1994, and to educate the Board of Governors about the nature of Indigenous cultures and the legacy of colonialism in Alberta and Canada. An OCAD alumni, he was a founding member of the Indigenous Education Council at OCAD University, a body that shaped the entire university's approach to decolonization, planning the Indigenous Visual Culture Program, creating research priorities, and support for Indigenous students from 2007 onwards. His creative impact of Woodlands is legendary as was his contributions to the Canadian Museum of History. And the list just continues. Beyond these achievements Tom was a supportive, brilliant mentor who taught me how to be an ally.
Posted by
Bonnie Devine
on
Nov 15th, 2023
Dear Roberta and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of Tom. Tom was a huge influence on me and so many other Indigenous artists. He was a steadfast supporter of the arts and artists over many decades and was a powerful voice for cultural resurgence. I am so sorry that we've lost of this great and gentle man. Bonnie Devine
Posted by
Delia Opekokew
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Dear Roberta, Jessica and family, Margaret:
I am so sorry about the passing of Tom. He was such a hero, kind, generous and brilliant. I recall him giving me a tour of the Woodland Centre, and how knowledgeable he was of the history of his people and other Nations, and their interactions with the settler society. He was a beam of light. I recall having dinner with you, Roberta, and him in Ottawa when you were youngsters. I was impressed with your life.
Posted by
rudy bies
on
Nov 16th, 2023
My wife Gloria and I were saddened to learn of Toms Passing Yesterday. We met in the Early 1970 and were introduced to Indigenous Art by Tom. Tom and Roberta was a great friends. We learned so much from them. Our condolences to Roberta and Tom's family from the deepest of our hearts as Arthur Shilling would have said. Rudy and Gloria Bies
Posted by
rudy bies
on
Nov 16th, 2023
My wife Gloria and I were saddened to learn of Toms Passing Yesterday. We met in the Early 1970 and were introduced to Indigenous Art by Tom. Tom and Roberta was a great friends. We learned so much from them. Our condolences to Roberta and Tom's family from the deepest of our hearts as Arthur Shilling would have said. Rudy and Gloria Bies
Posted by
Dickenson, Victoria
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Dear Roberta,
My deepest condolences to you and your family on Tom's passing. Tom was one of the most inspiring people I have met and influenced my life and work in many ways. His kindness, patience and good humour illuminated every meeting, every encounter. His work changed the way the Canadian museum community thought about the work of museums. We all benefitted from his insight, wisdom and counsel, and will continue to benefit as we remember him and celebrate his life.
Posted by
Susan Swan
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Hi Roberta: Patrick and I are very saddened by Tom’s death. He was everything we like in a person, his gentleness, his sense of humour, his kindness, his interesting opinions and insights, his artistic vision, and the way he enjoyed good food and drink. There was no better person to party with than Tom. The world would be a much better place if more people had his virtues. We will miss him and send you much love in this difficult time. Susan and Patrick.
Posted by
Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Dear Roberta:
I am so very sorry for your profound loss. I only knew Tom by reputation and that he positively impacted so many people -- what a legacy and what a life. May his spirit soar.
Sending you much love.
Fiona
Posted by
Patrick Crean
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Dear Roberta,
Susan and I are deeply sorry for your loss, a loss that also impacts the entire country. Tom was a trailblazer and his work in the arts was pioneering. His contribution to our understanding of Indigenous art and its central place in the Canadian imagination is huge. Our thoughts are with you. We are saddened by Tom's passing, but inspired by the legacy of his work.
Peace and blessings,
Patrick Crean.
Posted by
Patrick Crean
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Dear Roberta,
Susan and I are deeply sorry for your loss, a loss that also impacts the entire country. Tom was a trailblazer and his work in the arts was pioneering. His contribution to our understanding of Indigenous art and its central place in the Canadian imagination is huge. Our thoughts are with you. We are saddened by Tom's passing, but inspired by the legacy of his work.
Peace and blessings,
Patrick Crean.
Posted by
Andre Morriseau
on
Nov 16th, 2023
Dear Roberta and Family,
The passing of your beloved Tom has saddened my heart. I will however remember many years of shared laughter and joy. Tom was a kind man with a warm smile.
May the Creator welcome him to the Spirit world and honour his creative interpretation of the natural world around him.
My most sincere condolences,
Andre
Posted by
Sara Newman
on
Nov 16th, 2023
I am so deeply moved by Tom’s passing. My heart and mind is with the family, Roberta, Mary, Jessica, Ian and the Grandchildren, and every artist great and small, who were forever changed in their ways of seeing and making and even moving in the world by Tom and all who are then changed by each piece, film, or music then created. But more than this, Tom’s Spirit ~ I can’t imagine him without his presence when with someone -wholly there- and his smile and his laugh and his incredible light. Thank you Tom ~ for everything.
Posted by
Alan Michelson
on
Nov 17th, 2023
The sadness of losing Tom is deep and profound, as is my gratitude for having known the man, first as a visionary museum director, and then as a cherished family friend. Both Tom and my sister Linda had the primary good fortune of marrying one of the Jamiesons, Birdie and Mark, and as a relative I’ve had the good fortune to have been included in many of their shindigs over the years, not only at their homes on Six, but even on their visits to Manhattan, where I live. Tom not only curated my first solo exhibition at Woodland in 2004, he helped inspire my TwoRow II video installation by taking me on a driving tour of the Grand River during my artist’s residency. His warmth and kindness, coupled with his intellect and wisdom, made him not only the ideal curator/director, but the ideal friend, and I am one more person who will miss Tom, who offers condolences, and who is all the better for having rubbed shoulders with him in this life.
Posted by
John Ecker
on
Nov 18th, 2023
Dear Roberta and family. My condolences to you and your family. Tom was a kind and generous man who made so many fine and important contributions to his community and beyond.
Posted by
TL General
on
Nov 19th, 2023
Sending sincere condolences to Roberta, Jessica, Tom’s grandchildren, family and friends.
Posted by
Gerald McMaster
on
Nov 19th, 2023
To Roberta and family. My family sends their profound condolences to yours. Of course it was with great sadness that I received the news of my dear old friend of 45 years. Lynn and I are currently in Tasmania (Australia) when we heard the news. We were up on Cradle Mountain earlier this morning, one of the highest points in Tasmania and I said a little prayer for his journey. I share many stories and memories of our journey together trying to make the world a better place for the artists of our generation and those who have come after. I know he did so much for me and others that we're all grateful and blessed to have known him and worked alongside him. There's a chapter in my memoirs of those heady days that many enjoy. Our community will miss him dearly. With all our best wishes from 'down under.' Gerald McMaster (and family)
Posted by
Gerald McMaster
on
Nov 19th, 2023
To Roberta and family. My family sends their profound condolences to yours. Of course it was with great sadness that I received the news of my dear old friend of 45 years. Lynn and I are currently in Tasmania (Australia) when we heard the news. We were up on Cradle Mountain earlier this morning, one of the highest points in Tasmania and I said a little prayer for his journey. I share many stories and memories of our journey together trying to make the world a better place for the artists of our generation and those who have come after. I know he did so much for me and others that we're all grateful and blessed to have known him and worked alongside him. There's a chapter in my memoirs of those heady days that many enjoy. Our community will miss him dearly. With all our best wishes from 'down under.' Gerald McMaster (and family)
Posted by
Gordon Peeling
on
Nov 21st, 2023
Dear Roberta and family. It has taken some time to process this sad news. It also brought back many memories of discussions and dinners with you and Tom and the Indspire Board that I was honoured to be part of. His curatorial excellence, generosity and insight into indigenous art was shared graciously and with humour such that each visit was memorable and unique. I will always treasure the moment we got to see him perform with the Old Mush. His many awards speak to his contribution to the visual arts in Canada. Catherine and I send our deepest condolences to you and yours.
Posted by
Rosemary Donegan
on
Nov 21st, 2023
I was very sorry to hear about Tom's death. He lead such a long and productive life, a wonderful man, knowledgeable, funny, thoughtful and so full of life. He helped me, my students at OCAD and many in the Canadian cultural world come to understand Indigenous culture and history in such a meaningful way. As the first Indigenous curator in Canada, he worked on so many fronts, both as an individual and in various institutions, he attended conferences, gave seminars, guest lectured and was active on boards. He provided such a solid sense of Indigenous culture and was responsible in no small part for the incredible flowering of Canadian Indigenous artists and cultural workers. He will truly be missed.
Posted by
Linda Silver Dranoff
on
Dec 8th, 2023
Dear Roberta and family, My sincere sympathy on your significant loss. May your many treasured memories sustain you.
