Obituary of David Birnie Hotchkiss

HOTCHKISS, DAVID BIRNIE
(July 10, 1932 - March 21, 2023)
Passed peacefully from this life at Garden City Manor in St Catharines, ON with his daughter Margaret at his side and his daughter-in-law Sherri-May Hotchkiss in attendance by Zoom as he took his last breaths. Various family members had been able to visit with him by Zoom during this time of restricted access.

David experienced a general decline in health as he aged and valiantly fought his failing abilities while pleading to go home to his darling Verna and his son Paul who were waiting for him. In his own words he frequently “talked to the boss up there to say that it was time to go home”.

David is remembered fondly as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather who reveled in the little ones who came into his realm. He loved his carpentry, the outdoors and the wildlife that frequented wherever he lived.

He is survived by his children Margaret (Vern) Hibbard, Bernice Raben, Linda (Bob) Haskayne, Gary (Geraldine) Hotchkiss, Nancy (Chris) Moore, Keith Hotchkiss, Tom (Susan) Hotchkiss and daughter-in-law Sherri-May Hotchkiss (widow of son Paul). He had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also survived by his sisters Elizabeth Lock, Mary (Harold) Long and Martha Brobbel along with one brother Tim (Beth) Hotchkiss. Pre-deceased by his wife Verna Eileen (Webster) Hotchkiss, son Paul Wayne Hotchkiss, father Charles Birnie Hotchkiss, mother Della Beatrice (Bailey) Hotchkiss, brother Dean Hotchkiss and his wife Kay, sister Ruth Peckham, brother Charles Daniel Hotchkiss at age 1 and brother Peter Hotchkiss at birth.

David grew up in large extended family among many cousins and double cousins, since three Hotchkiss siblings married three Bailey siblings. There are many who have commented about “Uncle David” and his affection for children, his building skills and his love of the land and nature. He did not go very far in school but was always learning throughout his life. David had a strong faith in his Lord to carry him through his life. The family lived in many places throughout their life while David followed the construction trade. With each move they participated in a church family who benefitted from their presence. He served as an elder in the church in North Bay and Edmonton. He was ready and anxious to go home to his Lord when the time came.

The family gives their sincere thanks to the Garden City Manor staff, who struggled to care for everyone during the pandemic but always cared for and about each one individually.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at Fenwick Church of Christ (765 Welland Rd, Fenwick, ON L0S 1C0) on Wednesday March 29, 2023, with visitation at 12:00 pm and the service at 1:00 pm. Randy Morritt officiating. The service will be live-streamed from the Fenwick Church of Christ. To view the Live Stream, please follow this link at the time of the service - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5YvKt7GZkU 

Please click this link to view a memorial slideshow - David Hotchkiss

Donations in David’s memory to Great Lakes Bible College would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St, Vineland, ON L0R 2C0.