David Willard Ortlip

Houghton --- David Willard Ortlip, 69, of Houghton went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 2, 2023, at the University of Rochester Medical Center after a lengthy illness and extended hospitalization. He was born May 29, 1953 in Jersey City, New Jersey, a son of the late W. Henry and Elizabeth Carlson Ortlip.

As an adult, he was a long-time resident of Columbus, Ohio where he was involved and a member of the Columbus Chinese Christian Church. Since late 2005 he lived in Houghton and Wellsville, 2015-2020.

David spent his childhood in Petit Goâve, Haïti with his family who served as missionaries.  Within a couple months of his birth he along with his 4-year-old sister Karen Ruth flew to Haïti.  David was also blessed with two brothers, Jonathan Henry when he was 6 and Daniel Paul when he was almost 10. They were great helpers with David’s project of raising goats and all three brothers spent hours playing soccer with eager neighbor boys. As part of the youth ministry in the local Haitian church he sang in a male quartet.

In addition to Calvert School Home Instruction, David’s education included several year-long stays in Houghton when he was in the fourth grade at Fillmore Central School and ninth grade at Houghton Academy. In Haïti he lived with a family at another location to attend grade school and also for high school to attend the International Union School in Port-au-Prince, Haïti.

David attended Houghton University where he enjoyed playing soccer and The Ohio State University (Social Work) in Columbus, Ohio. David worked as a Therapeutic Aide on the Deaf Unit and other Units at the Twin Valley Behavioral Healthcare Hospital, Columbus, Ohio for 20 years. Early in his career he received commendation for safely escorting residents from a fire on the Deaf Unit. During David’s tenure he had hours to listen to life stories, he understood that one’s early life experiences can have significant impact on one’s well-being.  He also worked at a Health Food Store in Florida, an Electric Lighting Company and Yin Yue Chinese Restaurant in Columbus, Ohio.

David was an avid and devoted sports fan and participated in soccer leagues in Columbus. His passion was not limited to soccer. He followed Ohio State football and basketball closely and was a fan of the Buffalo Bills and New York Yankees. His enthusiasm for games included chess and Haitian style dominoes.

As a Volunteer at the Behavioral Health Hospital he initiated a Chess Club for the Residents. Later as an employee he was known for hosting a yearly BBQ for the Unit Residents. David was compassionate, generous and loved the pleasure of joking. Besides David’s love for fishing he took delight in painting still life and portrait. A dried bouquet painting is signed “David Ortlip, ’76, Flowers, 1st Completed Painting.”

Our family is grateful for David’s willingness to relocate to Houghton to cook, help shop and live with our Mother for eight years after our Father’s death in 2005.  The highlight of the year for David from 2003 – 2015 were the Haiti Trips to the mountains with the Houghton Medical/Dental Team and after the 2010 Earthquake a second trip or extended visit. He took as many soccer balls as his luggage would allow along with little toys he’d buy to give children. This gave him great joy. He felt most fulfilled when asked to share the love and light of Jesus to individuals seeking freedom from fear and darkness.

Surviving are his siblings, Karen (David) Daugherty of Houghton, Jonathan (Ruthie Rothenbuhler) Ortlip of Chagrin Falls, OH and Daniel (Fran Driggers) Ortlip of Irvine, CA. The youngest maternal Uncle Robert’s wife, Aunt Helen Carlson of Massillon, OH. Five paternal cousins of his age-set all born in ’53-’54 and many others. His nephews and nieces, a source of joy, Nathan, Sean, Shannon (Fran), Lauren (Trent); Heidi (Garrett), Henry (Megan), James (Bethany); Josh (Tess), Matt, Ashley, his grand-nephews: Nicholas and Michael, and Leonard, close friends; his teenage and later adulthood fishing comrade, Paul Parks, many Haitian friends in NYC, Montreal to Philadelphia, Florida and beyond and like brothers, Philippe Bonne-Année and Jude Pierre.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at the Houghton Wesleyan Church, 9712 NY-19, Houghton at 2:00 PM on Sunday June 4, 2023. Pastor Paul Shea will officiate. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Houghton, NY.

Memorials if desired: Donate soccer balls for children’s discipleship programs in Haiti or globally, ambassadorsfootball.org, Sports equipment or athletic needs, Houghton Academy, houghtonacademy.org or Houghton University, houghton.edu

Song: Turn your eyes upon Jesus

Owned by: Alan Jackson

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Willard Ortlip, please visit our floral store.