Longtime harness racing industry participant Richard “Ron” Hill, 92, of Kentville, N.S., and formerly of Somerville, N.B., passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026.
Born in Alfreton, England on January 15, 1934, Ron was the son of the late Richard and Nellie (Snuggs) Hill. He was also predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Betty; his son, John; his sister, Phyllis; and his brother, Derek.
Ron is survived by his children, Lesley Sanford (Dan) and Steven Hill; his grandchildren, Rachel Sanford, Hannah Hill Hayes, and Dylan Hill; his sister, Margaret Jervis; as well as several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Ron and Betty were married on May 25, 1957, and together they adopted their three children: Lesley (1960), Steven (1963), and John (1966).
Ron spent his early years enjoying the outdoors — especially fishing and hunting in New Brunswick — but his lifelong fascination was always horses. After serving 20 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, he began a new chapter in 1968 as a blacksmith in Clinton, Ont. His early career took him on the road to harness racetracks such as Flamboro Downs and Western Fair Raceway. By 1975, as his reputation grew, he settled in Campbellville, Ont., establishing a full time shop at Mohawk Raceway.
In the mid 1980s, Ron and Betty moved to Pompano, Florida, where he opened his blacksmith shop at Pompano Park. By 1989, he estimated he had shod more than 75,000 horses. Ron and Betty eventually sold their Campbellville farm, wintered in Pompano, and spent summers in Bristol, N.B., where Ron fulfilled his dream of building his own log home.
Upon retiring, Ron returned to Ontario to be closer to his family and grandchildren. It was then that he discovered a new way to share his love of horses — through woodcarving. A self taught artist, Ron created detailed horse carvings from basswood, carefully researching the accuracy and details of any piece commissioned, selling his work to horsemen and enthusiasts across Canada and the United States. He continued carving right up until two months before his passing.
Ron made countless friends throughout his life, and he will be deeply missed by all whose hearts he touched. He will be especially missed by his companion “Rizzie”, a Yorkie named after Betty, who kept him company after Betty’s passing in 2019.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, at 1 p.m. from the L.R. Giberson Funeral Chapel, Florenceville, N.B., with Rev. Doug Cook officiating. Interment will follow in the Johnville Cemetery. For those who wish, donations to the War Amps would be appreciated.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Ron Hill.