William Hill Obituary

There was a reason why so many of your staff stayed with Hills for so long! Thanks for all the opportunities, wisdom and generosity. From the Darney family.

HILL, Willi. So many wonderful memories of an exceptional, inspirational and generous man. Peter, Pat, Katie and Alannah MacShane.

HILL, William Anthony. Thanks for being a boss, a colleague and also a friend. Thanks for the good memories we had. God bless. From Joseph Hale.

HILL, William Anthony. Willi Hill died in his sleep early on Wednesday morning, 3 November, 2010; aged 65, after fighting cancer for almost a year. Willi was a wonderful man, full of life, a patron of the arts and, together with his wife Coral, he was a well known Auckland figure. Willi was a family and a business leader, an inspiration to all of those that worked with him in the flooring industry, including all of the staff that worked in the company he led and managed for over 30 years, Hills Floorings. Willi joined his father in the family business in 1962, and took over as Managing Director in 1980. During the 30 years that Willi led the company, along with his brothers David and George, he was responsible for growing the business to the largest commercial flooring operation in the country, a market leader employing almost 100 staff. During his working life Willi was well known for his drive and hands on approach to the business. As well as heading the company, running the occasional marathon and accumulating an impressive collection of contemporary New Zealand art Willi was responsible for the successful completion of a large number of commercial flooring installations in many of Auckland's landmark buildings. Willi was also a Director of Flooring Brands, and Chairman of the Flooring Brands franchise group, The Floor Store. Due to his deteriorating health Willi recently resigned as Managing Director and his younger brother George has been elected by the board as his successor. Willi is survived by his wife Coral. The funeral will be on 1pm on Tuesday, 9 November, at Hopetoun Alpha, 18 Beresford Square, Auckland.

HILL, Willi. Peacefully on 3 November 2010 . "You may have left us, but the memories will remain forever." Younger brother David, wife Pauline, our children Kirsty and husband Craig, Caleb and wife Sarah, and their children Justin, Emma and Ava. Yes Willi, thanks to you "fluff in our veins" is now an icon for our future.

HILL, William Anthony (Willi). To my darling brother and our Uncle Willi, we will miss your smile, your wisdom and love. You will always be in our thoughts and hearts. George, Lynda, Jasmin, Elizabeth and Anna.

HILL, Willi. A very respected Boss and friend. You were there when I was 15, and help to shape me into the person I am today. I will miss our chats over coffee, but more importantly I will miss you. Respectfully, Blair and Ginders.

HILL, William Anthony (Willi). A truly inspirational and courageous husband, dad, son and brother-in-law. Willi Hill, you will be dearly missed. With much love, Coral, Kennedy, Kevin, Lee, Neville, Jessica and Lorie.