Joseph C. Botkin

Joseph C. Botkin, 75, died peacefully July 26, 2014, at his Oxford, MD, home from renal cell carcinoma. Joe was born in Alexandria, VA, on May 4, 1939, to the late Clarence J. Botkin, and Susan E. (Baldwin) Botkin. The family resided in Falls Church and Oakton, VA. Joe graduated from Fairfax High School (1957) and was part of the infamous engineering team that put a full horse coach on top of the high school. The perpetrators kept their secret until the class' 50th reunion in 2007. After this engineering feat, he went on to Virginia Tech, graduating with a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1962. He received his PE (Professional Engineer) designation in 1974. During college, he interned at the Naval Research Lab in Washington, DC, going to full-time status after graduation. After 32 years, he retired as the Head of Architects and Engineers for NRL, noting that once computers hit the workplace, he had to stay one step ahead of the young engineers to maintain his position. He continued that interest in computers the rest of his life in his work with AARP tax program, in assisting small businesses, as well as in the duplicate bridge world, and for family and friends. In 1991, after retirement from NRL, Joe married Susan (Suz) E. Delean in Accokeek, MD, near Washington, DC. They maintained homes in Bethany Beach, DE, and Accokeek, MD, until 1997, when they moved to Oxford, MD, to be closer to their boat Nepenthe. Joe was an avid and excellent yachtsman. He was rarely happier than at the tiller. He was a member of the Southern Maryland Sailing Association, the Eastern Shore Sailing Association, Cambridge Yacht Club and CBYRA. His life was full of pewter and crystal trophies. Cruising was what was done between home port and the start of a race. During the non-racing months, Joe was active with the AARP tax program from 1992 until April 15, 2014. His sites in Denton and Oxford were a source of great pride for him. He delighted in helping others to get all the tax breaks he could find in Pub 17. He taught computer use, networking, and public service with professional grace and kindness to everyone he encountered. He received numerous awards and recognition for his volunteer tax service. Joe started the Tred Avon Duplicate Bridge Club in Easton in 2002, which coupled with the Choptank Duplicate Bridge Club promotes the play and pleasure of duplicate bridge. With longtime friend and fellow director Ralph White, an exciting duplicate bridge culture was built and is thriving on the Mid-Shore. Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; sons, John, ( Monique) of Silver Spring, MD and Christopher, Thailand; stepson, Jacob Davison ( Ann) of Fairfax, VA; and six grandchildren, Zachary, Tessa, Abigail, Ryan Botkin, and Holly and Mark Davison; and many nieces and nephews, including two special nieces, Linda Legge Krippner, and Theresa Legge Oates. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth Susan Botkin Kagey; brother, Gerald, (Mary Ann); cousins, Dennis ( Rhonda), Cherlee, Michael and Kathleen Botkin, Steve Garber, (Kathy), Janet Garber Loker,(Wayne), Joan Garber Graham,(James), and Leila Chawkat, and Aunt Pat Botkin Chakat; and his friends and bridge partners; AARP tax preparers and taxpayers; fellow sailors; and Skippy, the dog. Services for Joe will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Oxford on Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at 11 a.m. A reception for relatives and friends will be held immediately after the service in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested memorial donations can be made to Holy Trinity Church in Oxford, MD 21654; to Talbot Hospice, 586 Cynwood Dr., Easton, MD 21601; or to the Talbot Humane Society, 7894 Ocean Gateway, Easton, MD 21601.

Joseph C. Botkin

May 4, 1939 - July 26, 2014