June 21, 1945–July 19, 2024

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of David William Hodgkinson on July 19, 2024, at the age of 79 years, surrounded by his loving family at Hospice House, in Kelowna, BC.  He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bonita, and his beloved sons, Tyler (Loreen) and Ryan.  He was a cherished grandfather to Hunter and Noah.

David was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Elizabeth, his brothers Rodger, Alan, and Alan’s wife Glenda.  He will be missed by his brother Murray (Noreen) and his dedicated and loving sister-in-law, Idabelle “Bella” Hodgkinson.  David will also be dearly remembered by his niece Michelle Hodgkinson-Kristof and nephew-in-law John Kristof.  Additionally, he will be missed by the Thompson sister(s)-in-law, Dawn Brown and Lynda Legate (Larry), as well as his many relatives in Ontario.  His Kelowna family, the Robertsons, will also feel his loss deeply.

David was born in the beautiful city of Guelph, Ontario on June the 21, 1945.  David met the love of his life, Bonita Dale Thompson, in September 1960, and in June 1967 they were married and moved to Kelowna.  He was gifted by the birth of his sons Tyler and Ryan during the 1970s and in 2005 his beautiful daughter-in-law, Loreen Stevenson.  David was blessed with the arrival of grandsons, Hunter and Noah, who gave him many wonderful memories.

He was an honoured graduate of The Hamilton Institute of Technology (Control Systems) in 1966.  Soon after graduation, he was employed by Union Carbide of Canada, in Toronto, ON, and Vancouver, BC before being transferred to Kelowna, as a sales representative /technologist for welding supplies and medical gases, travelling throughout the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenay area.  In November 1968, Elmer and Roy Borstad from Grande Prairie, Alberta offered David a partnership in starting up a welding supplies and medical gases distribution in Prince George, BC, an offer he found difficult to refuse.  Borstad Welding Supplies Ltd., and Medigas Home Care Service Ltd., territory covered all of central British Columbia from Clinton, to Prince Rupert which included Haida Gwaii.  In 1987, Union Carbide of Canada decided to own full control of distribution, and it was at that time that David sold his portion of the business and moved back to Kelowna.  A year later, he and Bonita purchased Kwik Kopy Printing in Kelowna, and renamed it Rapid Printing.  This business was sold in 2008, when David retired.  His wife Bonita worked alongside him in both businesses for 38 years, managing accounting and administration.

David and family starting camping in 1976, touring all the magical places that British Columbia has to offer, with special memories at Soda Creek with the Heinze family and Christina Lake at “The Dacha”.

David was a very active person with a routine of running, swimming, cycling, and golfing.  He completed twenty “Across the Lake Swim”, and two swims from Rattlesnake Island to Peachland, several Triathlons, 2 Marathons, and participated in six “Ski to Sea”.  He enjoyed ski touring in the Bugaboo, as well as downhill and cross-country skiing in British Columbia and Alberta.

He was an avid hunter of deer, moose and elk throughout British Columbia and Alberta.  Dave cherished his 4 trips to Gathto Creek, BC, for elk, especially the trips with his sons Tyler and Ryan, and his nephew-in-law John.  His annual trip to Alberta for game hunting at the Taber Pheasant Festival, Wessex Game Birds, Silver Willows, and water fowl hunting in Saskatchewan were particularly meaningful, especially the camaraderie shared with his friends.

David always looked forward to his annual fishing trip for salmon and halibut off the west coast of Vancouver Island.  Once again, it was the fellowship that mattered most to him, more than catching the big one.  Although, in the summer of 2017 he joined the “Tyee Club” for catching a 32lb. salmon at Rivers Inlet.

Over the years David was a member of the following organizations: Associated Canadian Travellers of Kelowna and Prince George, John Howard Society, Prince George, and the Prince George Rotary Club.  He was also a member of the Okanagan Mission Rotary Club, Okanagan Masters Swim Club, Kelowna Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Club, and the Kelowna and District Fish and Game Club.  He was honoured with the Dan Hill Memorial Award in 2011 and 2012 for Outstanding Contribution to the club, and in 2017 received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Kelowna and District Fish and Game Club, which kept him engaged and fulfilled during his retirement.  He thoroughly appreciated all the wonderful friendships he developed during his time with the club.

A special note of thanks to Ron, Grant, John, Nick, George, Graham, Mark, Lyle, Danny and A.J. for their friendship.

As per David’s wishes there will be no service, all he asks is to be remembered.

Condolences, photos, and memories may be sent to the family by visiting his obituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com