Remembering the life of Ken Hill

(Darryl Smart is the author of this article and it appears with his permission)

It is with a heavy heart and disbelief that the Six Nations Chiefs family are mourning the passing of our leader, Ken Hill.

Ken passed away on January 18, 2021, at the age of 62, leaving behind his loving family and a legacy that will last forever. We send out our sincerest condolences to his family.

Ken was the owner of our lacrosse team, and much more. He was a brother, mentor, and leader, making everyone within the Chiefs organization part of the family.

“Words cannot describe the sadness and disbelief that the team is in over the passing of our owner and leader Ken (KR) Hill,” Chiefs president and general manager Duane Jacobs said. “Ken was like an older brother to me. He did so much for me and my family. He allowed me to run this team and is directly responsible for all the championships we’ve won. The players were treated well and all he ever wanted in return was championships. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hill family.”

Ken took over the team in 1993, after the passing of his brother Erlind Hill.

Ken was the backbone of the team’s six Mann Cup championships (1994, 95, 96, 2013, 14, 16).

Players, past and present took to social media to pay tribute to a man that meant the world to them all.

“Sad news hit our community this week once again. Gone way to soon, a guy that helped lay the groundwork to an inspiring young lacrosse player,” Roger Vyse said on his Facebook. ”Watching his idols play as the teams ball boy then getting the chance to play for the same team and players and having so much success. It was a fun ride. Thanks Ken. It meant the world to have that chance. My condolences to the family.”

“Sad news hearing the passing of Ken Hill.” Ryan Benesch said. “I met Kenny when I was playing junior B hockey for Brantford and was lucky enough to play for him on the Chiefs. Ken was a very generous man with a big heart, he will be missed. #RIP.”

Ken was a courageous and bold man, that loved life and loved to win. He will be deeply missed by all of us. Most of all, he will always be remembered.

As a footnote to this article, Major Series Lacrosse Commissioner Doug Luey was saddened to hear the news of the passing of Ken Hill stating “He will be greatly missed.  Ken Hill has been a positive influence on our league for many years.  His treatment of players and others like family, speaks volumes of the type of gentleman he was”.