HAMPTON, VA – After his earthly vessel gave way to the effects of a long illness, the precious soul of Neil Clinton Botkin, 53, mercifully returned to God, our great and wonderful creator, on Sunday, May 6, 2012.

Neil leaves behind to later follow him his forever wife and best friend, Lisa; his loving mother, Barbara Lee (Harris) Savage and her husband, Michael Savage; three fine brothers, Brian Keith ("Buck"), Scott Aubrey, and Stewart Avery Botkin; their respective spouses Connie, Ramona, and Patty Botkin; a young nephew, Brian Keith Jr. ("LB") Botkin; a sweet and beautiful family dog named Cocoa; and a host of other loved and precious family members living in both the local and western Virginia areas.

A man of true honor, Neil took great pride in providing the best possible service to the many special clients of his home-based painting business, Colour Crafters, for more than 25 years. Also, being a man of many talents, Neil earned a 1st degree black belt in Okinawan Shorin Ryu Karate Do, played finger- style guitar (both 6- and 12-string) like a maestro, and performed hand-crafted improvements and repairs to acoustic guitars with a meticulous flair.

Neil's other interests included feeding and caring for birds and other wildlife, camping, hiking, and occasionally, fishing. Neil was a sincere lover of art, music, nature, God, and country. While Neil will be deeply missed by all who love him so very much, his departure from this life into one of eternal peace and joy is a blessing to be first understood, and ultimately, appreciated.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 pm Friday at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home in downtown Hampton. Immediately following at 4 p.m., Neil's life will be celebrated in the funeral home chapel.

[The Daily Press – Newport News, Virginia – Wednesday May 9, 2012 – Page A10]

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