Ronald Leroy Hiltz, born March 11 ^th , 1949, passed away at his home (his castle) in Aylesford on November 21 ^st , 2022.  Ronnie (aka Hot Rod Hiltz) was a husband, father extraordinaire, an Opah (grandfather), and a friend to many.  He is survived by his wife Linda (Hepburn) Hiltz, his daughter Kelly Aucoin (Claude), four grandchildren, John-Robert (Carly), Riley Hepburn, Nova Noelle, and Lucas Ronald.  He also leaves behind three siblings, Lorraine Bowser (Ed), Marjorie Woodbury (Wade), and Larry Hiltz (Kathie), and his best friend Poppy Doodle. Ronnie was a fierce defender of the underdog and was known to step up in the name of fairness his whole life.  He was a lover of animals, cowboy boots, and a cold beer in front of a Blue Jays game.  Opah was the fixer of all things broken (especially old cars, they were his favourite), and was the first call for help for all those that knew him well.  Nothing made Ronnie happier than being surrounded by his family on his back deck for a BBQ and chats about world events that always went late into the night.  He will forever be known as the guy who accepted everyone no matter where they came from or what their story was. With a twinkle in his eye that made you feel like everything was going to be ok, he would say there is no rush now – just sit down – relax. Donations in memory may be made to the local SPCA or the Canadian Cancer Society. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the spring of 2023 when all his family can be together. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main Street 1-855-825-3448. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com