JIM HOTCHKISS

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JIM HOTCHKISS It is with deepest sorrow and heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the sudden but peaceful passing of Jim Hotchkiss on Monday, December 5, 2005, after a brief illness at the Health Sciences Centre. Jim was predeceased by his parents Tom and Jane Hotchkiss; and sister Mamie Pearson. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 51 years, Erma; daughter Janice (Randy) Franchuk; son Wayne (Charlene Threatful); cherished and beloved grandchildren, Brittany and Grace; his sister Marguerite Wodell; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was born September 19, 1926, in Kimberley, BC, and grew up in this beautiful town in the Rockies. Jim graduated from University of British Columbia in Mechanical Engineering in 1954. He worked for Angus Butler Associates in Edmonton for six years before moving to Winnipeg. In Winnipeg he joined Smith Carter Partners - later he joined E. H. Price, until his retirement in 1988. Throughout his career in both consulting and sales Jim travelled the world as a professional engineer. His career culminated by opening the Price Asia office in Singapore in 1984. Jim was active in ASHRAE and was a respected member of the Professional Engineers Association. Jim met Erma in Kimberley, and they were married October 23, 1954. They moved to Winnipeg in 1960 and raised their children in River Heights. Along with his professional life, Jim was an active sportsman, enjoying fishing, curling, golfing and hunting. He belonged to Rossmere Golf and Country Club, where he golfed and curled for many years. Jim was an active and supportive parent through Sir John Franklin Community Club in hockey and soccer programs. Thanks Dad for instilling my love and passion for hockey. He spent many happy summers at Pisces Island in Clear Water Bay, ON, with his seven fishing buddies. For over 40 years they shared many happy hours together. He was an avid duck hunter with his shooting shack buddies at Nettley Marsh. He always looked forward to his golf weekends with the boys at Falcon Lake. In addition he built the family cottage at Gull Lake in 1967, which still to this day, is admired for its workmanship and ongoing legacy to the Easton family. Jim was an intelligent well educated man, with a great sense of humour, who could captivate a room with his stories. A veracious reader, always up on political events and could complete any crossword puzzle that he attempted. Jim was also known for his skill in knitting argyle socks and would donate yearly to the Christmas Cheer Board, through Westworth United Church. Family was paramount to Jim. His granddaughters were very important to him and was evident with the amount of quality time he spent with them. Jim introduced his granddaughter Brittany to curling at a young age. She is now an avid curler, focused on reaching The Brier one day. Jim was a wise, kind and decent man, whose thoughtful, caring demeanour would often lend itself to family and friends seeking direction. Family thanks the staff of the Health Sciences Centre, GA4 section, for outstanding care during the short time he was there. Memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Ave. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers in Jim's memory a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, ON1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. Forever in our hearts Dad... We will never forget you Grandpa. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715 Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 09, 2005