Cecil Timothy Hotchkiss died quietly on December 15, 2024. He breathed his last with his wife of 60 years by his side. Since February 2024, Tim was a resident at Gateway Haven in Wiarton where he received the best of care.
Tim, born July 1943, was a man of many talents, from teaching French to building homes, raising prize winning budgies, and a small herd of dairy cows, amongst other animals. He lead the family farm – Contempra farms – that produced cream, butter, milk, veal calves and other products.
Tim was a Bible teacher and a song leader. When not working, he enjoyed singing in choirs as he had done as a child and young adult. His beautiful tenor voice led him to join the Abilene Christian College Acappella choir where he met his wife. Songs were a part of two significantly moments in his life – when he and Beth sang to each other at their wedding and when Beth sang to him the hymn “Safe in the Arms of Jesus” comforting him on his final journey home.
He was pre-deceased by his parents Birnie and Della (Bailey) Hotchkiss of Sault Ste Marie, Ontario. He leaves behind his wife, Beth Hotchkiss, of Port Elgin and children, Cheryl Hotchkiss and Kevin Thomson of Waterloo; Jason and Julie Hotchkiss of Castro Valley CA; Eric and April Hotchkiss, of Juneau, Alaska; and Anise Hotchkiss and Meredith Ernisse of Ithaca NY as well as grandchildren: Aidan and Charlotte Thomson, Brendan, Caleb, Keegan, Cole, and Tobin Hotchkiss and Ruah Ernisse. A family and friends gathering is planned for mid April to honour Tim’s life.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Victoria Order of Nurses
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Editor’s Note: In 2014, I had the privilege of visiting Tim’s budgie sanctuary where he explained the origins and beauty of the bird. Below is an excerpt from the article published at that time.
