Harry W. "Tim" Motsiff

Buskirk-Harry “Tim” Motsiff, 79, of Buskirk, NY, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, December 14, 2020.

He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 58 years, Joy (Wagoner) Motsiff; his sister Audrey Moon, his three sons, Dale, Deane and PJ Motsiff.  His “favorite” daughter-in-law Sue Robertson, 6 grandchildren (Cody, Samuel, Lucas, Caroline, Jack and Timmy Motsiff), 1 great-grandson (Rowen) and his black labrador retriever, Cassie. 

He was preceded in death by his sisters Marion Galbraith, Pauline Kyer, brother Billy, and his infant daughter Darcie.

He was born to parents Paul J. Motsiff and Margaret M. Morrison, on December, 24, 1940, in Cambridge, New York. In his early years he excelled at riding his horse “Smokey” at the Cambridge Valley Saddle Club, garnering many ribbons. After graduating from Cambridge Central High School in 1958 he immediately enlisted in the Coast Guard until 1962.  Upon his return from the service, he became a lifelong resident of Cambridge.  He was a founding member of the Cambridge Little League and helped secure and build the ball fields.   This fall, Harry received his 50-year pin in the Masonic Temple for serving as a Shriner and Past Master at his local chapter, Cambridge Valley Lodge #481.  Motsiff Plumbing and Heating was often found on the jerseys of local youth sports teams as he would sponsor a variety of programs in his hometown.

He started working in the plumbing business with Warren Gillis.  After 12 years as an apprentice, he started his own business, Motsiff Plumbing and Heating.  He not only took pride in his business, but truly enjoyed serving the customers in his local community.  In order to keep the company going he brought on his son Deane to partner with him and take over the family business.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the Battenkill Country Club and Windy Hills Country Club in Greenwich NY.  He was the secretary and webmaster of the ParTee Golf League for many years and was a three-time champion at the prestigious BC M&M Invitational in 1995, 2006 and 2016. 

A celebration of Tim's life will be Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10 am at the Coila Church, 93 State Route 372, Cambridge.  A reception will be at the Motsiff residence, 614 Turnpike Road, Buskirk following the service. 

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