Dr. David Rawson Hotelling

FREEPORT – I see him in the sunlight. I see him in the blue sky …

David Rawson Hotelling died at home on Sept. 1, 2025. His wife, Rebecca Hotelling, and their children, Kirstin Hotelling Zona and Kimberly Hotelling were present for his journey to Heaven, as were his grandchildren, Isabelle O’Connor, Kai O’Connor, Ella Zona Bryant, and Jasper William Zona.

David was born on Feb. 26, 1938 in Riverside, Calif., and grew up in Napa, Calif. with his parents, Kenneth Hotelling and Elizabeth Rowland, and younger sister, Mary Lucy. David cherished his boyhood in wine country: from his sleeping porch he could hear the trains whistling at night and the circus setting up in the valley below. Creative and entrepreneurial, David started many businesses as a boy, including a newspaper, a printing press, and a shoeshine stand. At 10, he bought a fire truck from a local auction, and at 15, he opened a pet store in downtown Napa, Calif. During college summers he led vineyard tours, developing a keen appreciation for wine culture that would last a lifetime.

David knew he wanted to become a doctor at 14. He pursued his dream, starting at Reed College in Portland, Ore., followed by medical school at the University of Cincinnati. He returned to California to start his military service while in residency in San Francisco. It was here that David met Rebecca Riter, on a blind date. David and Becky were married at Becky’s childhood home in Holladay, Utah in 1966. Their long, happy marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them.

The Navy sent David and Becky to Brunswick, where David was a flight surgeon, caring for pilots. David greatly enjoyed his time in the service, and while stationed in Iceland their first daughter, Kirstin, was born. During fellowships at Beth Israel Hospital and Harvard University in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, their second daughter, Kimberly, was born in Beverly, Mass. After his training, David started a private practice in Portland that spanned 50 years. A true healer, David was loved by his patients who appreciated the time he spent with them and his kind, unrushed presence, and was respected by his colleagues for his integrity and expertise. David saw the best in everyone, and life through his eyes was full of magic and beauty.

As curious as he was caring, as intellectually alive as he was filled with wonder, David loved the outdoors and pursued new interests with gusto—sailing, photography, fly fishing, beekeeping, astronomy, drumming, harmonica, Japanese cooking, camping, skiing, drawing and painting. But his greatest love was his family. David was a devoted, engaged father, beloved by his two daughters. Despite the demands of a time-consuming career, David always made quality time for his girls, and later, his four grandchildren, all of whom cherished his humor, generous heart, affectionate presence, and Dunkin Donut dates.

Our big-hearted husband, dad, grandpa, and friend, David will be dearly missed, and forever in our hearts.

We will walk with you in the sunlight. We will walk with you beneath the blue sky.

A private burial will take place in Cundy’s Harbor on Oct. 10. A public memorial service will be held at the South Freeport Church, 98 South Freeport Rd., Freeport, on Oct. 11, at 11 a.m., followed by a reception at the Hotelling home at 3 Foggs Point Rd., Freeport.