David (Dave) John Conklin

05-07-1957  ---   07-28-2026

David (Dave) John Conklin, 69, born in West Nyack, NY, a 27-year resident of Otis, MA unexpectedly passed on from this world with his loving wife Kathleen Burke Conklin beside him on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at Bay State Hospital in Springfield, MA.

Dave was a kind and gentle soul who was a good friend to those he knew and even those he just met. Dave has been described by many as being the most selfless, kind, creative, talented, caring, honest, loving, amazing human with a sense of humor and a passion for life and love.

Dave was always full of life and always creating something.  He loved learning and sharing knowledge with those who wanted to learn.  His love of animals, nature and always finding the good in people was shared with everyone he knew.  Dave had many interests and passions, chess, riding, music, writing, art, gardening, remodeling his home, snow sculptures, ice sculptures and what most will remember is his talent for chainsaw carving.  They're everywhere, his wood spirits, fish, dragons, owls, lighthouses, bears, bird houses, benches and so much more can be found all over Otis, Sandisfield and beyond.

To his wife, he was her man, husband of 23 years, king of the mountain, the true love of her life.  Dave loved all his family unconditionally, even when the chips were down, Dave always supported his family and friends.

Dave was predeceased by his father, Arthur Conklin and his brother Andrew Conklin.

Dave is survived by his wife, Kathleen Burke Conklin of Otis, MA, his mother Audrey Conklin of West Nyack, NY, his two sisters Joy Conklin (Tim) of Raymond, ME, Katherine & Kevan Brooks of Middletown, NY, his four brothers Michael Conklin of West Nyack, NY, Peter Conklin of West Nyack, NY, Arthur & Sally Conklin of Arlington, VA and Timothy & Peggy Conklin of Middletown, NY, his son David Conklin (& Heather) of Milford, PA, his step-son David Wilkinson & fiancé Katrina of Sandisfield, MA, two grandchildren, Macayla and Darin, and many nieces and nephews. Special friends Clayton, Angel, Charles & Terry. And of course, his pups, Cooper, Luna & Dudley.  Words cannot express how missed he will be by so many.

After retiring from the phone company, where he started as a switchboard operator in his 20's, he acquired his contractor's license and worked as a handyman for many in the area.  Dave volunteered his time locally at the Veteran's Home in Sandisfield, the New Boston Church, the Otis Library, the Berkshire Humane Society, and served on the Otis Conservation Commission for a time as well.

A Celebration of Life to be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from Noon to 5 at the American Legion Post 456, 81 S. Main St., Sandisfield, MA 01255.  Casual, bring a dish and a memory to share.

To honor Dave's generous spirit, the family kindly requests that, instead of flowers, donations be made to Berkshire Humane Society, an organization close to his heart. BerkshireHumane.org

Never Stop!   Create, Learn, Love, Live.  Enjoy Life.

It's a Wonderful World.  ~  Keep Calm and Carry On.

Berkshire Humane Society
C/O Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee MA 01238