Ralph Clifford Otten

Ralph Clifford Otten was born April 18, 1936, in Oakland, California to Boudewyn and Wilhelmina (Stuyvelaar) Otten. He cherished lifelong memories and friendships made with his buddies in the neighborhood of their childhood. Ralph graduated from Castlemont High School where he earned a scholarship to an art institute. Being creative was his thing…school, not so much, so he secured a job in the mailroom of Pacific Bell which opened the door for him to become a telephone installer and complete a 33-year career with the company.

In 1956 Ralph married Joann Driver. They would be married for 53 years. He loved to play and their six children experienced many adventures as his playmates; many of which occurred around their Otten Outpost at South Lake Tahoe. Wherever there was water you could find Ralph fishing or snorkeling. After retirement Joann and Ralph traveled. He was most proud of the 45 day 10400+ mile motorcycle trip the two of them made around the United States. They were also fond of cruising and, after Joann’s passing in 2010, Ralph continued to enjoy many more cruises. Ralph loved dogs and felt the world would be a better place if everyone had a little Golden Retriever DNA in them. His affinity for fishing and dogs was made obvious in the prolific creation of clay figures he sculpted, many of them earning awards in local contests. The remaining fish of the world now celebrate the demise of their nemesis, while the canine world mourns the loss of a dog’s best friend. (And the fashion world is still scratching their heads.)

Ralph was Dad to Andy (Susan), David (Beth), Larry (Alice), Julie Smith (Cary), Laurie Watts (John), and Bob (Becky). And “Papa” to David (Gwen), Kailey, Bryan, Alexis, Hayden, Bethany, Luke, Levi, Travis Watts (Angelica), Jennifer and Jason Gumbiner. His five great grandchildren loved their Papa as well. Ralph and his very dear friend Peggy, shared special time together in the twilight of his life.

He was preceded in death by Joann and his siblings Bob and Adri. The family will honor Ralph and take his, Joann’s, and his dogs’ ashes (back) to Yosemite, California at a later date. Some final advice from Ralph to those reading this would be, “Go have fun since life is a limited engagement and we’re all sliding across the table.” And remember, “It’s nice to be nice.” There will be no service. In lieu of flowers go hug your children, go fishing with your dogs, or contribute at www.als.org (or to Guide Dogs For The Blind.) But mainly, Ralph would encourage you to “Go have fun!”