Family, friends farewell Robin

EMMA SPILLETT

espillett@kiamaindependent.com.au

KIAMA Downs man Robin Hills was remembered last Friday as a man who was “dominated by love”.

Nearly 700 people gathered at the Church of Christ in Figtree to say goodbye to the 39-year-old father of two, who died on April 16 after he lost control of his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and hit a guard rail on Spring Creek Drive in Kiama.

The service was attended by members of Mr Hills’ immediate family, including parents, Fay and Colin, sisters Leanne and Sharon and daughters Hayley, 16, and Ellenore, 10.

Friends and members of motorcycle groups in the area also filled the church, many wearing orange flowers as a symbol of Mr Hills’ beloved orange Ute.

Officiator Shawn Tyler said Mr Hills’ family described him as a man of “honour, passion and love”.

“He was a man who would drop anything to help others and lived life to the full,” he said.

Daughter Hayley described her dad as “the best dad anyone could ever ask for”.

“He always taught us to love everyone like it was the last time you were going to see them,” she said. “We knew his door was always open for us and he always spoiled us girls. Words cannot say how much we will miss him.”

Mr Tyler described Mr Hills’ love for life in the fast lane, particularly his interest in “all things motorised”.

“His family said his love for vehicles grew from his upbringing on a farm and watching his dad drive a tractor around to collect hay bales,” he said.

“As he grew older, Robin became an avid dirt bike rider and motorcyclist and was often seen riding around the area on his motorbike.

“He was a thrillseeker who mastered waterskiing at a young age and loved the opportunity to teach others.”

Ray Langlois said he could tell a hundred stories about Mr Hill.

“I have known him for close to 25 years,” he said.

“He lived a good life.”

At the end of the service, Mr Hills’ motorcycle friends formed a guard of honour behind the hearse and members of his family.

Mr Hills was buried at Kiama Cemetery.