Strength Through Every Chapter

At 17, with a Grade 10 education and a strong sense of adventure, Hilliard “Hill” Radford joined the Royal Canadian Navy, serving proudly from 1956 to 1961.

While stationed at HMCS Shearwater, a borrowed cashmere topcoat changed the course of his life. On a night out with friends, Hill caught Dawn’s eye – a sharp-dressed sailor she immediately found handsome. That chance meeting led to a lifelong partnership; they will celebrate 66 years together in 2026.

Hill and Dawn moved to Saskatchewan in 1969, where they built both their careers and their lives together. Dawn worked with the Regina Chamber of Commerce in the 1970s and 1980s, while Hill established himself in finance. In 1984, he became manager of City Savings & Trust, growing the organization from $21 million to $89 million before launching his own business in 1989.

Years later, while celebrating their 55th anniversary on a Caribbean cruise, Hill noticed blood in his urine. Doctors discovered tumors and removed them, but 14 months later the symptoms returned. On October 30, 2017, Hill underwent radical surgery to remove the cancer. Fortunately, no chemotherapy or radiation was required.

Today, Hill and Dawn give back to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan to ensure others receive the care they need close to home. Their message to cancer patients is simple, “We wish you fair winds and calm seas.”