John Ellsworth Hotchkiss Jr.

John Ellsworth Hotchkiss, Jr., M.D. John, or "Jack," as he was known to many, will be remembered for his love of family and friends, distinguished career, mind and heart full of curiosity and generosity. Thoughtful and articulate, he shared his own unique perspective with intelligent good grace and humor. He loved the color purple, good light, the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, his family, irises, inventing, golf and anything done really well and so we surround him with these in our thoughts. Jack was born in Meriden, Connecticut on January 3, 1925 to Estelle and John E. Hotchkiss, Sr. From humble beginnings he won scholarships to Yale University and Harvard Medical School. He practiced medicine at Kaiser Foundation Hospital in San Francisco for over 40 years and was a successful inventor of the Hotchkiss Otoscope, Spanger Tool Holder and Hotchkiss Hold-It. He was as a member of Peacock Gap Country Club in San Rafael for over 50 years; he has many friends who will remember him there. Jack became John again when he married Avelina Inocian of the Philippines in 1991 and they were together with their son Christian when he died peacefully in their home on January 17, 2007 after a struggle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Avelina Hotchkiss of Novato; sister, Jean Brown of Dallas, TX; ex-wife, Demetra Hotchkiss of Santa Rosa; ex-wife, Sachiko Hotchkiss of Novato; loving friend Dolly Fong of Alameda; his children and their spouses Kristy Hotchkiss of Navarro, Jonathan Hotchkiss of Oakland, Kathy Hotchkiss of Santa Rosa, Jeffry and Lisa Hotchkiss of Santa Rosa, Eric Fong of Alameda, Gina and Jason Fong-Seidler of Piedmont, Mishi and Kirk Grogan of S.F., Nyree Hotchkiss of San Rafael, Leslie and Ira Sadler of S.F. and Christian Hotchkiss of Novato; six grandchildren and their spouses George Whinnery of San Anselmo, Kathleen and William Hayes of Mendocino, Amber and David Cropsey of Crockett, Cali Gallardo of San Rafael, Austin and Emily Hotchkiss of Santa Rosa and three great-grandchildren, Kyle and Christopher Hayes of Mendocino and Lucas Cropsey of Crockett. Lifelong friends include, William "Moe" Sullivan and Kathryn Crosby of Nevada, Granville and Maud Coggs of Texas and Daniel Federman of Massachusetts. A special thanks to John's nurse Kiko Ramos of the Philippines, Father Jess Labor of Novato, Hospice of Marin and the many friends and family members who helped with his care and shared their love and friendship. You made a real difference in his life and in the peaceful passing of his life. A private Memorial Service will be held at the family home. Donations may be made in his name to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 1806 Novato Blvd., Novato, CA 94947.