Ronnie Hill

In hospital on 3rd December 2020, Ronnie aged 69 years of Great Harwood and formerly of Accrington. The devoted and loved husband of Trish, loving dad and best friend to Rebecca, Natalie, Victoria and Amanda, dear father-in-law of Mick and Oliver, cherished grandad of Floyd, Franklyn, Hattie, Layla, Florence, Austin and Ruby, dear brother of John and Carol, a loved uncle and a respected relative and friend to many.

Ronnie’s working life was spent as a self employed plumber and builder, his work saw him travel around the UK and even as far as Germany, he was hard working and a true grafter. He was a well known, loved and respected local man. He was a zealot football fan and avid follower of Accrington Stanley and Blackburn Rovers of which he was a season ticket holder. Ronnie rarely missed a match and was the organiser of the transport to away matches, known as ‘Ron the Don’ by his mates. A very sociable character, Ronnie could often be found out and about chatting away to his many friends, he could talk to anyone about anything.

Ronnie was the most doting husband and dad and he was fiercely protective of all his girls. He loved getting family and friends together for a celebration and his New Years Eve parties were legendary and not one to be missed. Ronnie loved to travel, in his younger years holidays were spent in the UK and late he travelled worldwide with his wife and best friend Trish. The light of Ronnie’s life was his grandchildren, he doted on them all and they loved him.

Ronnie will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

 

Donations are being received in memory of Ronnie via his families ‘Go Fund Me Page’. To make a donation and read their story please click the ‘Make a Donation’ button at the bottom of this page.

 

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MESSAGES for the family of Ronnie Hill

 

Steve Mack

Ronnie my best mate I will miss you pal, I will miss the disagreements with the lads over rovers, I will miss our pre and post match rituals, I will miss our train trips to away matches, but most of all I will miss your friendship and support, always loved, always missed, always remembered x

 

Christine Holmes

Rip to a lovely gentleman x x

 

James Whittle

Ronnie was a gentleman. Always had time for anybody. Was very kind and thoughtful. Our Ben really looked up to him. Bought my lad his first scarf and numerous badges. Was an absolute pleasure to know him. He was one of life’s good guys. If there were more around like Ronnie then the world would be a better place for it. Will miss you at the Rovers and at the races. Beer is best won’t be the same without you. xx

 

Stephen Halliwell

Ronnie was a good friend and mate and always had time for any body he was a gentleman and will be sadly missed RIP Ronnie God bless x

 

Tracy Birtwell

You were a massive Rovers fan, a blue through and through, I enjoyed going to the games with you and having a beer or two. Whenever you saw me with your Amanda you would just smile and shake your head, I think it was code for “I’m watching you two buggers so try not to be mislead!” I am grateful to have known you, an absolute treasure and in my heart you’ll always have a place, And words can’t express how much I’m going to miss that ‘Bonnie Ronnie’ face!

 

Jacqueline

I have known Ron & Trish for many years I first met them in the Rockline, Albufeira., Portugal we all liked singing on the Karaoke, but the funniest night when you Trish and Lorna sang the whole pub was up singing and dancing. We’ve been privileged to shared some wonderful nights with you and Ron he will be sadly missed in the old house , coyote and the rockline big hugs and loves to you all x

 

Tracy Troubridge

We met Ron and Trish whilst on holiday in Turkey. We spotted Ron laying on a Rovers towel around the pool! Zoy being a avid Burnley fan soon started banter with Ron where they discovered they were both from Gt Harwood! There began the beginning of a lovely holiday with Ron and Trish! Absolutely lots of fun and laughs around the pool lunches and a few nights out! Ron was lovely and such a kind man and it was obvious how much he loved Trish and told us many funny tales and spoke with so much love of his family. We are heartbroken to hear of Ron’s passing and we send all our love to Trish and all the family. RIP Ron we will treasure the memories of our time spent together. Much love Tracy & Zoy. ❤????❤ xxxxxxxx

 

Cheri, Dean, Bradley and Cody xx

Ronnie was such a wonderful man, I have so many happy memories, our boys loved him and loved him ❤️

 

Andy and Pam Lambert

Will be sadly missed on the rovers bus, Ronnie was a true gentleman and had a brilliant sense of humour R.I.P Ronnie

 

Alex Mack

A massive part of my life, words will never do it justice on how much Ronnie did for my family, and myself. He was somebody I could talk to about things that maybe i couldn’t talk about to my family and friends. And he would always have the time for me and offer the best advice. I’ve spent most of my life watching rovers with him, and some legendary away trips to cheltenham. You’re somebody I will never forget Ronnie, thank you for having such a great influence on my life. Love you mate. Rest easy! My mate Pirate Ronnie xxx

 

Danny Bloom

Ronnie was a genuinely nice bloke, not only did we both have a love for Blackburn Rovers but we both had a love for Portugal & Albufeira. A big loss for his family & many friends.

 

Ben Smith

Enjoyed a good few train trips down South to watch the Rovers with Ronnie. Great days. Will miss discussing how good or bad they’ve been in the Blues bar or back in Harwood. The bus to Ewood won’t be the same again! RIP to one of the best. Rest in Peace Ronnie x

 

Michael Bettaney

This isn’t goodbye it’s just another long away trip until we meet again pre match in the bar. An absolute pleasure to know you and a privilege to call you a friend. Now go and have a well earned rest and we’ll keep an eye on Trish and the girls. Rip Ronnie

 

Diana

Things will never be the same, Ronnie shaking his head at Steve or anyone else who was being annoying, he would discreetly move away and make conversation with someone who was talking sense, which was an hard choice on match days, Ronnie was a friend and a much appreciated confident supportive person to Steve and especially Alex when times were though. Much respect Ronnie for the person you were, our hearts are truly broken we are going to miss you such much, heavens gain our loss, it was an honour to have had you has a friend rip xxxxx

 

Claire Ward

Ronnie Hill one of life’s true gentlemen, taken too soon but will never be forgotten. I had the greatest pleasure of knowing you because of Amanda and Natalie. I have so many great memories and funny memories I wouldn’t know where to start. Loads of memories but the special ones are at your house where you and Trish always made me feel so welcome and loved (even if Amanda, Natalie and I where in trouble for something!) I always knew I could come to you for anything, support, advice or a the best genuine fake in Great Harwood!!! You always had the most friendly smile and gave the best hugs. Ronnie I will miss you so much it still doesn’t feel real xx

 

Liam Mack

Ronnie was one in a million. A true legend who I always looked up to. He was always there to keep my Dad in check which is no easy task. So many happy memories of going to the football as well as parties and his incredible cooking. He will be missed by so many. His memory will always live on. I hope he’s smiling down on everyone with a Budweiser in his hand. ❤️

 

Mark Hitchen

Ronnie, you used to always make me smile. I saw you regularly at Ewood, away games and of course who could forget Mr Maci’s stag do. You were always at the centre of the fun but made sure you found time to see how everyone was actually doing. Take care bud!

 

Hayley, Matt, Jacob & Jessica Xxxxx

Would just like to say we hope today goes as well as it can do and we are thinking about Ronnie. His family and his friends. It will be such a hard day but remember he was loved by so many people and will be looking down on you all with no pain. Sending lots of love.

 

Sarah Baxter

My thoughts are with you – Ronnie was such a lovely man.

 

Lynn Smith

Lots of lovely memories ,you were always smiling and that alright cock you always used to greet me with Top Uncle R.I.P. Uncle Ron ????

 

Nigel Vickers

I only met Ronnie over the past few years, but it was an absolutely pleasure to include him as apart of the family network. I have some very fond memories of him, especially the family parties, as it would always be me, him and Trish at the bar having a laugh. I also remember the time we all spent together in Mallorca on a family holiday. I will feel genuinely miss him. RIP Ronnie

 

Michelle Cunliffe

RIP Ronnie you were a lovely gentleman. He would do anything for you, Ronnie was always laughing and joking about, he made you smile even on those horrible days you were having. R.I.P sleep tight.

 

David Dunn

RIP Ronnie. You’ll be missed pal, going to miss seeing you at Ewood x

 

Frankly Moore

To Grandad, I’ll miss you and the sneaky trips to the chocolate cupboard. Love you Franklyn xx

 

Floyd Moore

To Grandad, I miss you and will miss how you always made lots of cheese sandwiches. Love Floyd xxx

 

Katie Catterall

Ronnie, thank you for being the incredible man that you were. You were like family to us all and always there with a kind word and warm hug. We’ve so many happy memories of you and Trish with mum and dad over the years. Hope you’ve got a bottle of Bud and mum’s got a glass of red and you’re having a good old catch up. RIP Ronnie, you’ll be incredibly missed. Lots of love, Katie, Adam, Teddy and Lila Catterall xxxx

 

Becci Rich

Ron will be very much missed here in Albufeira, we met Ron and Trish through The Old House, where I host karaoke with my husband Trev. Ron enjoyed a good sing song, and his deep voice, and cheeky smile. Rest in peace Ron, my love to Trish and the family at this sad time xx

 

Karen (Kay)

My heart breaks for you all, I remember being at Amanda’s salon while Ron was always there doing odd jobs for Amanda. Whenever Ron was leaving Amanda would always say don’t forget dad I have another list of jobs for you. Ron would always roll his eyes and say retirement what retirement when Amanda keeps me busy. Amanda always responded with come on dad you know I’m the favourite child, Ron would wink and say hmmm see you with my list later. Ron you will be missed so much. You were a true gentleman funny and full of love. Xx

 

Steven & Joanne

Ron you were a pleasure to know always caring and friendly .You always made our days at football enjoyable and fun and many drinks between us passed. You will truly be missed and the days at footy will never be the same . We send our thoughts and sympathy to all your family and friends God bless you mate RIP.

 

Elsa, Ric & Mia

A delightful gent who always had a smile on his face. A true blue who both myself and ric thought highly of. Sending our deepest condolences and thinking of you all today

 

Nigel and jan xx

Our dear Ronnie you filled so many people’s life’s with so much love fun and happiness. We and our family have been so fortunate to have been part of his life that has given us memories to last a lifetime a legend, a true gentleman whom we loved so very much xx

 

Graham , Janice & family xx

To a dear dear friend Ronnie you will sadly be missed we will remember all the good times we have spent together.

 

Terry Mercer

Dado (Ron Ron)a great friend and at times a work colleague, we have been friends for over 40 years and l will truly miss you mate, taken far to early, but l am sure you will be flying high soaring like a eagle and l am sure by the end of January every one in Heaven will be wearing a item of clothing sold to them by your good self. We had some fantastic barbecues and dinner parties and the New Years Eve parties sensational. There are so many stories l could tell about you and quite a few that will stay as memories only. One tale springs to mind every time we talked about Bonnie Ronnie.We set off to Crewe to watch Rovers, went by train and got there before lunch. There were quite a few pubs around Gresty lane so we set off to enjoy a few beers before kick off, we had quite a bit more than a few beers even buying lots of bags of chips which we shared with the landlady and locals. As we were leaving the pub Dado says Mark l am a bit worried, l said don’t worry we’ll stuff em, Dado say no Mark l have been counting up l think l have had 22 Buds l replied in that case l am worried. STE Mack and me have had 22 pints of bitter, Lekker slaap! Sleep well mate, God Bless and he his a 15.5 collar.

 

Brad

Ronnie was a true gentleman from the day I met him. He was an inspiration and will be greatly missed.

 

Heidi Grout

I already sent a message on messenger but I like to express again how much the bad news hit me. Ronnie and my late husband Harvey Grout went out to Germany together in 1979. This was the best thing for me because I found the love of my life my husband Harvey who passed away in 2015. There were so many funny moments looking back. I like to tell the first one after they arrived in Germany, May 1979 a very hot summer in Germany and some lads from England came over to work in Germany. As the sun were shining the lot had a rest on a piece of grass and unfortunately Ronnie fell asleep. Unfortunately he woke up and looked like a lobster he caught a bad sun burn. I remember that Harvey told me about that Ronnie was moaning about that nobody woke him up. On Friday nights after work they all went out in a nearby disco and Ronnie was on the dancing floor all night. He loved to look smart and that he did indeed. They always asked me to order a taxi for them to get to the disco.I was owner of a ice cream parlour and saw the lads coming and going and the came in my place too. It was such a happy time we had together. Ronnie you will be missed but we will see again my dear friend????  ????

 

Terry, Anne & Steve Mack 

A very good turn out to say farewell to Ron will miss him having a drink at the Crown and the club house ready to see accrington Stanley.

 

Terry and Anne Robinson

We would see Ronnie in Crown pub, before Stanley game when he went to match. Such a lovely man, always happy. RIP Ronnie xx

 

Mark Latham

To say Ronnie was a great bloke wouldn’t do him justice, he was more than that. So many days out whether it be Rovers, Cricket or just seeing him in the pub you would just gravitate to him. So sad to think I won’t see him next time I’m home. Love you Ronnie, I’ll never forget you mate. Night god bless!

 

Dave

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Sending you all a hug x

 

Ian and Mary Briggs

Lots of memories from when we were young and some good nights out. R. I. P. RONNIE.

 

Dougie & Lesley Walton

Ron and Trish were very good friends for years had some good times together. Ron went to Rovers with Doug both home and away. Salt of the earth man was Ronnie, he will be sadly missed. and fondly remembered.

 

Steve Pilkington

So sorry to hear of Ronnie’s passing. We were friends at St Peter’s Primary School as we were in the same class from 1956 to 1962 and I often went round to his house on Charter Street and, later, on Richmond Road. We went to different secondary schools after that, but in later years, I used to bump into him up the Stanley. I’d recently reconnected with him on Facebook and was looking forward to chatting with him about the old days. Rest in Peace, Ronnie.