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OBITUARY
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OBITUARY |
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Theodore Charles OttoDecember 4, 1925 to October 31, 2007
Theodore Charles Otto died peacefully at five o’clock in the morning of October 31st with his wife Virginia Lettice by his side. The son of Theodore and Florence Otto, he was born December 4, 1925 in Passaic, New Jersey and grew up in nearby Rutherford. He studied mechanical engineering at Lehigh University and was initiated into the Sigma Chi fraternity. He interrupted his education to serve as a sergeant in the 78th "Lightning" Combat Division in Germany. After college he went with Texaco in New York City where he met Virginia. They married in the 5th Ave. Presbyterian Chapel in NYC on December 15, 1951. With their first born, Mark, on the way, they moved to California for a new job at Union Oil. He moved on to the University of California’s Livermore Radiation Laboratory in Pleasanton. In 1962 he was hired as the Principal Engineer at UC Irvine. He spent the rest of his career there, designing and overseeing construction of the mechanical systems for the new university campus. During retirement, Ted worked hard to repeal the California Source Tax. He was also appointed to the committee concerning water standards for San Juan Island. Ted built, added onto or renovated every house he had ever lived in as an adult. The culmination of that avocation was designing and building their ideal home on San Juan Island. He was always had a list of projects. He is in Heaven’s workshop now. Ted ran a good apprenticeship program for his children. He involved the whole family in auto repair, math instruction, carpentry, body surfing, camping and hiking. The frequent car camping trips inculcated in the children an appreciation of our national parks and historical places. Teaching by example, he and Virginia instilled a love of family, country and God, a strong work ethic and empathy for others. Ted exemplified an enthusiasm for life. Ted leaves behind his wife Virginia, their children, daughters-in law and sons-in law and grandchildren: son Mark Otto, his spouse Sydney Jacobs and their children Quilla and Kory Otto-Jacobs; son David Otto, his spouse Catherine and their children Nathan, Isaac, Rebecca and Madeline Otto; daughter Janet Otto-Brown and her spouse Gig Brown, Janet's children Charles Parker and Odin Amador; and son Bruce Otto, his spouse Pamela and their children Daniel Otto, Kristen Cohon and husband Dylan, and Samuel Otto. A memorial service will be held at the Valley Church on San Juan Island at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 3, 2007. Memorial gifts may be made to the Medical Center Guild. Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA. To share memories of Ted please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com. |
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