Randy 'Butch' Hill Passes

Standardbred trainer Randy 'Butch' Colin Hill, born at the Lady Willingdon Hospital in Ohsweken, Ont. on November 1, 1951, began his next journey on Monday, September 28, 2020, at the Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ont.

Butch, who is from a family of harness racing participants, was the beloved husband of Iris MacDonald and leaves son, Nathan and Jen and grandchildren Maddison (Maddison Blue), Meira (Beagle) and Layton (Leapschkin). He also leaves behind his brother Larry and Lana, sister Ava and Cy, brother John and Karen, brother Darryl (Jy) and sister Tracy. Butch was a special uncle to several nieces and nephews and much loved by his surviving aunts and his uncle Roger (Buck) Smith and many cousins and friends. Butch was also a special friend of Dr. Doug (Slug) Crane. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Fred (Mick) Hill and Elaine (Smith), and his little sister, Brenda.

Butch is well known as a superb athlete who excelled in hockey and baseball throughout his younger years. He was also an ironworker who not only worked around home, but in the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. Butch spent many years working with the horses and was a licensed trainer with Standardbred Canada. He was most proud of his valued horse In the Irons, who he affectionately called 'Arnie.' In the Irons was one of the top three-year-old pacing colts in Ontario in 2007, as the bay son of Mach Three hit the board in 16 of his 24 races (including six wins), banked $340,598 in purses and took his mark of 1:50.3 at Woodbine Racetrack that year. In addition to being a strong competitor in Ontario Sires Stakes action, In The Irons also won the finals of the Apaches Fame and Youthful series.

Butch is resting at his home at 2852 Fifth Line, Six Nations. There will be a private family gathering on Tuesday and public visitation on Wednesday, September 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Funeral to be held on Thursday, October 1 at 1:00 p.m. with cremation to follow. COVID-19 restrictions will apply throughout.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Butch Hill.