In Memory of
Rod Hills
The family of Rod Hills are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a dear and much loved husband, father, son and brother whilst on a walking holiday with friends in Scotland on Friday June 24th 2022.
We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to record any memories, messages and/or photos that you may like to share with us on this site.
Entirely without obligation, if you would like to make a charitable donation in Rod’s memory to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and/or the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, then this can be done online through the following link:
Charitable Donations in Memory of Rod Hills
or alternatively, cheques made payable to the relevant charity may be sent c/o Colin Hayley & Tapper Funeral Service, 257 Lymington Road, Highcliffe, Dorset, BH23 5FD.
With love and thanks.
Rachel Hills
Book Owner: Rachel Hills
Book Size:Â 1000 Messages
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Ed and Francesca Wells (nee Anderson)
We were so terribly sad to hear of Rod’s untimely passing. As all tributes have said, he was a dearly loved member of the community and will be sorely missed. We will remember him incredibly fondly. Our hearts go out to Rachel, Sam and Emily. RIP Rod and much love, Ed and Francesca Wells …
Jeremy Green
Dear Rachel and family, I cannot believe that Rod has passed away, I am so sorry for you all and of course anyone who knows him. Rod is someone who had that amazing knack of being able to make an instant – and positive – impression. I’ve got clients who have known Rod for many years who are shocked and saddened by his passing, and clients who have met him just once for a single, one-hour meeting, who have been equally touched and inspired by him. From a personal perspective, I’ll miss most his unrelenting friendliness. He always had time for anyone, whether it was about clients and IDC business, or Rugby and Wales’s Six Nations chances, or anything that was on one’s minde. There’s a huge hole in all of our lives. And I realise for you it must feel like an unbearable, unfillable hole. I’m so sorry for all of you, I cannot begin to imagine what you all must be going through. My thoughts are with you all. Yours sincerely, Jeremy…
Fiona Macrae
Dear Rachel, Sam and Emily It is still so difficult to comprehend that I am writing this. Rod was without question one of the most talented people I have ever worked with but it his warmth, kindness, enthusiasm and lust for life that I will miss the most. I am so sad to lose such a wonderful colleague but, more importantly, such a fabulous friend. Rod was a gentleman, an irreverant joker and so much fun.. even when challenges were difficult to solve we always laughed. We shared many team outings; trips to Burrough Market, The Design Museum, Afternoon Tea, London Bus tours and most recently a hilarious pottery class in Hackney (this picture was taken on the outbound journey- you can imagine what chaos ensued). Even in lock down we fell about laughing during virtual games and PT sessions. So many fun times that I will always cherish. It was my privilidge to have known Rod and to have called him my friend, we are all the poorer for his loss but the richer for having known him. I will never forget him and his impish, often quizzical, smile. Sending you and all of Rod’s family and friends…
Brigid Brennan
Dear Rachel, Sam & Emily, I write this after seeing you all at the Memorial Service and then at the Cliff House. What a wonderful testament to Rod and indeed all of you that was. The poems Sam and Emily chose were so perfect; the eulogies brilliant in content and delivery. Those of us who did not know Rod as well as others were left in no doubt of the huge love, respect and admiration in which he was held by so many. The numbers at the church were testament to that also. It was a huge privilege to be there and to talk to you all and so many of your friends and family.One memory I have of Rod is when I went to see the family in Ridgemont Road after Frances had died. Rod was – of course- there and clearly was such a rock and support to you all then. We were then lucky enough to be at your wedding when Frances made sure the sun shone. Over the years as well as seeing you at family occasions, Richard has kept me posted with all your news and just 5 weeks or so ago we had…
Silvia Piai
Rod you had the unique gift of lifting everyone up. You were an outstanding colleague, but mostly a great friend. You will live in my hearts and memories forever. Wishing your family comfort, strength and love for the days and weeks ahead. I’ll be praying for all of you….
The Biancardis
Rod was one of those extra special people with kind of naturally magnetic, infectious energy you could sense in the room before he spoke (which never took long!). Our lives are richer for Rod being part of the family and we wish for a different reality where he’s still here with you. With our love, thoughts and strength for you all, Sarah, Ben, Sophie and Alice xxx…
Karl Handscombe
Dear Rachel, Sam and Emily, We were all so shocked and deeply sadenned to hear about Rod’s sudden and tragic passing. I had the good fortune of helping to coach our boys rugby with him for many years and have very fond memories of a funny, passionate and incredibly enthusiastic man. His support and kindness will have made a difference to many of those lads and his energy will be sorely missed. A fantastic man taken far too soon and a huge loss to so many. …
Kathryn & Toby Darkins
It is so sad to say goodbye to such a lovley man. A person who was so easy to like and be with, we could talk travel, food and a whole load of rubbish constantly, even after long periods apart. To steal (and butcher) a line from his wedding speech – Like the man himself, his life was short and sweet. God bless you Rod and your Family xx …
Helena Chappell
I had the Privilege to work with Rod for 18 years. There are many things I could say about how wonderful he was but what always stood out to me was how generous he was with his time and his knowledge. He would share his knowledge enthusiastically with anyone who took the time to ask, and his passion was infectious. I will miss his sense of fun and his tremendous energy. Condolences to his family at this time xx…
CHAPMAN FAMILY
I was always Mr Chapman for Rod, we at home in Madrid have many memories of Rod from school and his trips out to Madrid, always smiling with a bounce in his step One of last occasions that I saw Rod was after receiving a phone call from Jon, do you think that you can get a ticket for Rod to see England v Wales 2015 World Cup game at Twickenham? The photo tells it all, his joy at Wales winning the game will stay with me forever. Rachel and family you are in our thoughts, I am sorry that Ann, Emma and I cannot be with you but Jon will represent us. …
Steve Lynes
I hadn’t seen Rod for a few years which now very much provides me with a huge sense of personal regret. Whilst I obviously knew Rod during our school days, I got to know him considerably better in the years after. Someone who showed genuine interest and care for others, Rod mixed sage advice with a wicked sense of humour and an infectious sense of fun! Reading through all the other messages of condolences, the incredible sense of loss we are all feeling shows the true nature of the man. Much love and condolences to Rachel and the family….
Nicole Schlegel
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Rod’s passing. Rod was one of the first IDC people I met and worked with, when I started my engagement with IDC a couple of years ago. His enthusiasm, energy and brilliant ideas made the work with him truly successful, but his fantastic sense of humor and infectious positive attitude made every meeting a must go. Please accept my deepest condolences….
Kieran Humphrey
Dear Rachel, Sam, Emily and family The thing that always came with Rod was fun. He could turn the most mundane situation in to something to be celebrated, or made in to an adventure. When I first met Rod, he seemed so much cooler and worldly wise than the rest of us (he had, then, a year more than we had at university). He would ooze his personality in to us on weekends at Warwick, and we would hang off his every word. The strength of his and Rachel’s love endured between Warwick and Newcastle and we would always look forward to his visits. There would always be tales of daring, whether on the rugby pitch or in the pub, and we loved every minute. Jumping forward, we partied hard at your wedding and watched you settle in to adult life with a breeze. When I moved to London, I moved to Balham because Rod lived there and told me it was the place to be. This was an excellent idea, because it meant I got to spend time with Rachel and Rod – only a walk away from where I was living. Rod knew stuff that I didn’t…
Emily & Pelle Thomsen
Our thoughts are with Rachel, Sam and Emily at this time of unimaginable grief. We feel lucky to have known Rod and spent time in his company, Rod was so funny, witty and engaging, we certainly were never short of laughter or competition when in his company. Rod’s ability to light up the room and make people feel at ease, welcome, and included is a talent only few people possess. We will always remeber our day out in Santorini with Rod and family, sea-swimming, laughing, drinking good wine, eating delicious food and the tuneful singing on the minbus!…
Philip Carnelley
This is such sad news and I offer my sincere condolencies. I worked with and knew Rod for the best part of a decade and he was one of the most dynamic and creative aand also insightful people I ever worked with. He always challenged (in a good way) what I said and did to work towards the best outcome. He was also fun company. A great combination. …
