Obituary of Donald Harold Hotham, Jr.

Donald H. Hotham, Jr. passed away on May 7, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a brief, but aggressive battle with cancer. Donald was born in Waterville, Maine on July 1, 1956, son of Donald, Sr. and Margaret Ann (Haunan) Hotham. He grew up in Albion and graduated from Lawrence High School. Donald was employed by the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades, Local Union 1468, District Council 35, and traveled all over the country painting commercial buildings and nuclear power plants. Donald enjoyed hunting with Daryl, fishing with Victor, had a green thumb for gardening and loved playing cribbage. He especially was fond of NASCAR Races and an avid fan of Race Car Driver Kyle Busch. He looked forward to the races and bantered with Justin about who was the best driver and who would win. Don loved Burger King and enjoyed eating a Whopper with his mother-in-law Rose after driving her to her medical appointments. Even though Don’s brother Dean was much younger than him, they loved spending time together, talking and laughing about hunting trips, friends and family. He married the love of his life, Kathy Jean (Pelotte) Hotham on July 8, 2000. “Looking back on the memory of the dance we shared, neath the stars above, for a moment all the world was right, how could I have known you’d ever say goodbye.’ Together they honeymooned at Niagara Falls and the Poconos. They traveled to Jamaica several times, and to many destinations in Florida including Key West and Busch Gardens amongst other places. They were recently planning to return to the Caribbean to renew their marriage vows, together with close family members. While traveling to various destinations, Don and Kathy enjoyed tailgating with his truck and eating their favorite barbecued foods. At the end, Donald surprised his nurses with his brave fight to survive. A single tear ran down his face and we were left with only memories. Donald also loved his and Kathy’s Furbabies. Dozer, Benny, LilyBug and many cats. LilyBug, a yellow lab, was a gift to him on his birthday ten years ago. Sadly, he passed on her 10th birthday. Don nicknamed Kathy “Toots” and she affectionately called him her “Donny Boy”. They were never far from each other and enjoyed every minute together. They cherished packing a picnic basket and going to the ocean to eat lobster to enjoy the smells of the ocean and the warmth of the sun. Don especially loved playing and spending time with his grandchildren and was so proud of each one of them. For Christmases for their first five years, he gifted them with a piggy bank containing money for future savings. He had a special affection for his granddaughter Emily Fortin, and recently helped her purchase her first car. Together they laughed and joked as she has progressed into a beautiful young lady. Don loved his granddaughter Haley and was looking forward to her graduation from high school this spring. He is also survived by grandchildren Audric & Taylor Elkins. When Audric visited for the weekends, he would run into the living room and jump on Donny and shower him with kisses and hugs. Audric loved having Papa Don give him rides on Big Red the tractor. He considered Taylor his special little princess. Garrett Pelletier was also happy to visit Papa and knew where his stashes of candy and goodies were. He was also ecstatic this year, in meeting River and sharing candy and getting to know her. Donald was preceded in death by his parents, his son Owen Hotham, sisters Sheila Hotham Tuttle and Holly Hotham, brothers Dwight Hotham, and Butch McGee, father-in-law Bernard Pelotte, and brothers in law Jeffrey Pelotte, Kevin Stetson and Donald Nadeau as well as many good friends. Donald is survived by his loving wife Kathy Hotham, his brother Dean Hotham (wife Andrea), Don’s and Kathy’s children Justin Fortin (fiancé Katy Noiles), Cody Elkins (partner Emily Delozier) and his daughter Alli Hotham. Mother-in-law Rose Pelotte, sisters-in-law Brenda Stetson, Cheryl Brackett and brother-in-law Richard (Dickie) Brackett. Special friends Daryl Niles, Victor and Linda Vigue, Dave McCloud, Joe (Jeep) McGary, & Eva and Dickie Littlefield. Special thanks to Dave for helping with fixing continuing blowing roof shingles and other odd jobs, Dr. Bajpia and Nursing Assistant Dawn Lorom for their patience and special care during Don’s time of need. The girls at LHS’s kitchen crew for encouragement and support, Carmen Foster for her love and companionship till the wee hours of the night, Brenda Stetson’s love and gift of a back massager and last but not least, many meals, calls and rides from Richard and Cheryl Brackett. Don loved going to the Brackett camp with Kathy and the dogs. He enjoyed swimming, boating and fishing with Dickie. Also, a huge thank you to Cheryl and Donny-Boy for the anniversary ring he planned on giving Kathy at their renewal of vows. A service will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021 at 1:00 pm. at the Winslow VFW. A celebration of his life will follow. Don had a love for life, family and friends. We invite you to celebrate his life with us. Don requested that guests wear informal clothing, drink beer, share memories and laughter. Our memories that day will include a display of his treasures, including a colorful assortment of gag gift shorts from his granddaughter Emily, affectionately known by him as Jim-Bobby. Please share your memories of Donnie on that day. “Being someone’s first love is great, but being someone’s last love is beyond perfect.” Arrangements are under the direction of Riposta Funeral home of Belfast Maine.