Laurence Darvin Hotchkiss

Brother Andre was born in Brookings, South Dakota on June 10, 1937 and grew up in Ionia, Iowa. He was the oldest of seven children. He attended grammar school at St. Mary’s School, North Washington, Iowa. In 1955 he went to Divine Word Seminary, Techny Illinois and began his missionary training. While in training he worked in the printing press in Techny before it got burned to the ground. The Techny press was never re-opened. In 1959 he was sent to the Philippines to help in the SVD Printing apostolate. He was involved in various departments of the Printing Press – typesetting, plate-making, printing and binding. He managed the Arnoldus Press at Catholic in Manila for about 10 years. After his stint in the Philippines he returned to the United States to study at Divine Word College, Iowa. He got a degree in Sociology in 1976. After his studies, Brother Andre was appointed Assistant Dean of Students at Divine Word Seminary, Riverside. During his time at Riverside, he also helped in supervising the summer camp’s activities of horseback riding, crafts, swimming and various camp activities. Brother Andre devoted some time doing vocation work for the mission seminary in Riverside and for the Divine Word College, Iowa. After doing vocation work, he requested to go to Kenya in 1985 to do mission work. He stayed in Kenya for over two decades, giving top priority in helping the poorest of the poor. His first mission work in Kenya was the Garba-Tulla Catholic mission where he helped established the many Dental Clinics and numerous worthwhile projects. He immersed in a drought and famine relief projects. He loved working with the poor. He enjoyed working with people. In one of his Christmas letters, Brother Andre wrote: “The people I work with are very supportive. Their task was to use efficiently what God provided. This I have come to believe is the ultimate religious vocation namely to shepherd the environment and resources of our world so that we can assure families and children that there will be food, clean water, and shelter for all, that no one needs to go hungry, that there will be no malnourished, emaciated children with extended stomach crying for mercy.” He was a good community organizer. He offered leadership to non-violent civil activities. He was a founding member of Kenya Debt Relief Network (KENDREN). Many members of the group remembered Brother Andre as a “man for others – big hearted and with a good sense of humor.” This is what keeps all of us going in difficult times. In 2004 he returned to California and lived at Divine Word Residence, Riverside but his heart was focused in the mission in Kenya. Throughout his life Brother Andre radiated joy for everyone. A faithful servant…. He was well loved. Brother Andre was 81 years old and a professed religious in the Society of the Divine Word for 59 years. Brother Andre – until we meet again. Enjoy now the place God has prepared for you. Have a peaceful rest. God loves you forever.