Joseph "Maurice" Hotte

Maurice was born in Bonnyville, Alberta, to Horace and Therese Hotte. He lost his mother at a young age, so he followed his father to Hinton, where he was roofing the Crescent Valley School. When the job ended and his father returned home to Bonnyville, Maurice stayed in Hinton. He loved to joke that someone told him to go to Hinton — there was lots of work there, and he has not had a day off since.

Maurice married Beverly Kopas and they were blessed with two wonderful children that enriched everyone's lives immensely.

Maurice worked in the bush for North West Pulp & Power, for CN Rail, Medori Motors, Joe Rocchio and several other places before he got a job at Hinton Lumber when it was starting up. In his spare time, he was doing construction work. He had trouble finding a backhoe to dig basements, so he bought an old one. It became much in demand, so he bought another one and Moe's Excavating/Northland Maintenance began. He was a forward thinker and loved a challenge.

Maurice enjoyed meeting and helping people. Clients became friends. It made him happy that he had employed, or had worked for, three generations of people here in Hinton. Maurice received The Pioneer Award from the Chamber of Commerce in 2017. He was vice president of the Royal Canadian Legion — Hinton Branch, for two terms.

Cooking was a passion for Maurice. His bagels, crepes and creme brulee will not be forgotten. He loved his mancave, family reunions and his birthday parties where he could enjoy family and friends.

Maurice loved to collect things but mostly appreciated the connections he made in the process.

Maurice is survived by Teresa Bosch and her family, his son Michael Hotte (Deanna), his stepdaughter Jennifer Swertz (Brandon), grandchildren Matthew Burke, Nichole (Micah) Barter, Ben, Scott and Emmett Swertz, nephew Derrick Hotte, great nephew Nicholas Lavigne (Jessica and Ava) and business partner Janet Hotte.

Maurice was predeceased by his father Horace, mother Therese, daughter Teresa, brother Ray, sister in law Jean, niece Denise and nephew Maurice.

Maurice lived well, loved deeply and touched many, many lives. He was gentle and caring. Maurice will be fondly remembered and missed.

At Maurice's request, there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers a donation could be made to the Royal Canadian Legion — Hinton Branch.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph "Maurice" Hotte, please visit our floral store.