Rodney Lee Hotchkiss
August 26, 1973 - May 9, 2025
It is with tremendous sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Rodney Lee Hotchkiss announce his passing on Friday May 9, 2025 at the age of 51 after the quick onset of an aggressive brain cancer. Rodney was surrounded daily by his loved ones these past months and was well cared for by the staff and volunteers during his stay at the Lisaard Hospice House in Cambridge, Ontario.
Rodney is survived by his beloved parents Walter Lee and Ruth Hotchkiss of Cambridge, Ontario, his sister Nancy Crawford (Darren Crawford), his nieces and nephew Hannah, Emily, Sarah and David Crawford of Fergus, Ontario.
Rodney was born and raised in Cambridge, Ontario. As a youngster, he loved playing outside with his friends and cousins - riding bikes, playing in tree forts, hide & seek, fishing, canoeing, camping, swimming and a countless number of other shenanigans. He grew up as a member of the Cambridge Salvation Army Church and he was active in beavers, cubs, junior and senior brass bands, youth groups, and attended cub and music camps at "Camp Selkirk", in Selkirk, Ontario. As a teen, he then became camp staff and would spend his entire summers working there where he developed many friendships that have lasted his entire lifetime. Rodney loved music and was very talented. His preferred instrument of choice was the brass cornet. He learned to play at a young age at his home church and played in both the junior and senior brass bands. He also played for many years in the Salvation Army Ontario South Divisional Youth Band (DYB), and went on many memorable trips. In addition to playing cornet, he also played trumpet, guitar, keyboard and had a beautiful singing voice. Music was a big part of his life. Some of his other interests included cooking, enjoying good food, playing darts, horseshoes, cottaging, camping, big bonfires, and just being outdoors. He loved his pets - his cat "Malcolm", and his two dogs "Jack and Sally". Rodney's life had a nice balance of being independent on solo adventures and spending time together with friends and family.
After he completed his schooling, he worked for many years at RWDI (Rowan Williams Davies & Irwin) in Guelph as a manager and wind tunnel technician. He then changed paths and became a transport truck driver - this career was something he absolutely loved! He worked for a variety of companies - the most recent one being ET Transport. He also had his own independent long hauling truck company for a brief period. Working as a long haul trucker took him all over North America and he always had many stories to share about his adventures. Recently, he purchased some property in New Brunswick with the dream to retire early, get some dogs, build a home and life for himself out east. During his illness, this dream never died...
His smile and hugs were the best ! He will be missed by so many. Please honour him by "living your best life" and remembering that every new day is a "gift from God".
Cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place on Friday May 16th, 2025 at Mount View Cemetery in Cambridge. A "Celebration of Life" will be held for all family and friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to either Lisaard House in Cambridge, or any other charity of your choice.
Family and friends are invited to send messages and condolences at www.tricitycremations.com. Please visit Rodney’s obituary notice on Facebook.