We Remember

HODGKINSON, David William
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.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area call “Condolences”.
Dear Bonita and family: Deepest condolences for your loss.
We met in Grade 9 and I often asked Ida how you were doing. Barb
So sorry to hear of your loss. I was hired by David in 2008. Although I only worked for David a short time before he retired, he had a solid management style and was always available for questions. I will always remember his smile. My sincere condolences to all the family.
Dear Bonita,
I am so very sorry for your loss and the enormous vacancy David leaves behind. I fondly remember him as a kind and gentle man. May your many beautiful memories help you during this difficult time. With love and a big warm hug.
Ella
Dear Bonita, Tyler, Loreen, Hunter, Noah and Ryan, all Family and Friends:
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of David William, your dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, relative and friend. Thankfully David lived a full life and through the memories ingrained in that fullness lived, will be found the seeds of healing and acceptance necessary to strengthen and sustain those loved ones he leaves behind to fulfill his only wish, simply to remember him.
God Bless and guide you all through the privilege and the honour of remembering David with each passing day ahead as you embrace those future moments when your poignant memories will bring a smile to your face and replace the bittersweet tears of your loss, with the sweet tears of love and gratitude.
Love Always,
Michael Douglas
My deepest sympathies to you, Bonita, Tyler, Ryan, and family. My years working at Rapid Printing hold many fond memories of you all. It was a formative time as I was just out of high school, my first adult job. I was welcomed, respected, appreciated and when I finally left, I took many lessons about how to be a good person and a good employee from the excellent role models you and David both were. David was a great man and will surely be missed by many.
Bonita and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing, our thoughts are with you all during these difficult times. Remembering past conversations etc while living next to you all those years..
Dear Bonita; I just heard about your loss of David. I am so sorry and will pray for you and your Family. As well if I can do
anything for you to help you carry your Grief please let me know and I would be happy to be of Help.
With Love and Care
Bill K.
Bonita,
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Sylvia and Dave Jaggers