Gaylen “Gait” Hill

He was the son of the late Marshall Clark Hill and Ardell Helen (Cable) Hill of Fredonia, N.Y.

He is survived by his children: Venice Cope, Thomas Hill (Lisa Woelfle), Rebecca Arch (Jeff), Jessacca Shelton; and his niece, whom he saw as a daughter and kidney donor, Kalene Pencek (Greg). He leaves to remember him, nine loving grandchildren: Adam, Katelyn, Lorien, Barry Jr. “Clay”, Joshua, Jaylen, Lauren, Jade and Lexi; two great-grandchildren: Emmitt and Arizona; his sisters: Shirley Wolnik (Joe), Lynnette Munson (Raymond) and Adrianne Hill-Gibbons (Patrick); his brother, Randy Hill (Janet); a sister-in-law, Patricia Hill; his best friend from childhood, Henry Link (Carol); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins; extended family and friends; and by his side his buddy and partner in crime, his dog, Charlie Harley.

He is predeceased by his two brothers: Darrel Hill (Rhoda) and Harvey Hill (Patricia).

Gait graduated from Brocton Central School in 1965 and attended SUNY Morrisville College for horticulture. He began his career as a driver for Dunkirk Ice Cream, and throughout the years his dairy career took him to Ohio, Texas, Missouri and Richmond, Virginia, where he retired as plant manager for Richfood Dairy.

He loved farming, woodworking and restoring Allis-Chalmers tractors. He could tell a story like no other. He loved to make kids laugh with his Donald Duck impressions that undoubtedly will always be etched in their memory.

A late spring/early summer celebration of life is being planned by the family.

Any donations wishing to be made can be made to the Kidney Foundation of WNY; Team Buffalo, 4444 Bryant and Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221 or www.kfwny.org/team-buffalo.