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Vallejo, California

Howard Ottke Obituary

Howard J. Ottke May 9, 1931 - June 17, 2008 77, passed away surrounded by the love and dignity that defined his life in the early morning hours of June 17th. Howard moved to Vallejo in 2006 to be closer to his son. Howard enjoyed his home at Merrill Gardens and made many friends in the area doing volunteer work for the SPCA and driving around town in his new VW Bug with "Totobug" license plates named after his beloved pet. Prior to relocating to Vallejo, Howard was a proud San Francisco resident and enjoyed his cherished home of more than 35 years on Claremont Blvd. Howard was a fixture on Claremont Blvd. always walking his dog with a kind word or witty comment to all who encountered him. Howard was born in Juneau, AK, on May 9, 1931. His mother Illeen R. Hepper was raising him alone when she passed away; Howard was just 5 years old. Howard was placed in an orphanage and eventually adopted by John and Helen Ottke of Seattle, WA. Howard joined the Air Force in 1951 rising to the rank of sergeant. One proud moment for Howard and his family came when Howard was stationed at Seoul Korea, with the 5th Air Force Adeance. He was awarded for exceptional meritorious service which made the local papers in back in Juneau, AK. After leaving the service, Howard became an airline steward for Alaska Airlines and eventually Pan American Airlines. Howard worked his way up to first class steward on the Seattle to Hong Kong run and spoke fondly of the glamour and excitement of air travel of that era. Howard left Pan American Airlines, moved to San Francisco, attended the hospitality school at SF City College and continued his education to earn his BA degree from SF State in 1963. Howard worked as a Maitre'D for the Franciscan Restaurant on the wharf for many years before assuming one of is favorite jobs as head waiter for Bruno's on Mission Street in SF. Howard was a true hospitality professional who had a tremendous passion for the business and a unique talent of making his guests feel special. Being a child from the Depression, Howard lived his day to day life frugally, yet he was generous and extravagant to his friends. Howard understood the true meaning and value of friendship and fostered many caring and loyal friends throughout the years. Howard enjoyed his last Father's Day by consuming Nation's cheeseburgers, strawberry pie and lecturing his son on spending too much money for Father's Day gifts. Howard leaves this world after a life of gracious living, incredible relationships both canine and human and a legacy of doing what's right and honorable. Howard loved saying he knew when to leave a party and that he did. Howard is survived by his son, Michael Allen of Vallejo and a host of broken hearted and grateful friends. A celebration of life in a very Howard style (martinis straight up, two olives with a beer chaser) will be held on Sunday, July 27, 3PM at Marines' Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St., SF. Memorial contributions can be made to: Benicia Vallejo Humane Society, In memory of Howard J. Ottke, 1121 Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo, CA 94590. Please sign the online guestbook at timesheraldonline.com. Arrangements are under the directions of Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo (707) 552-6696.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Jun. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Howard Ottke

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Edda L rodriguez

July 22, 2008

I was extremely blessed to have know Howard "Mr.Howard" as I always called him. Mr. Howard was a wonderful man that always put others before him self. He would phone me on Monday's to first inquire about my son then to confirm if I would be watching one of his T.V. favorites, "Dancing With The Stars".
My relation with Howard was more than jus a friendship; he was also a great father figure to me. He has a magnificent way of showing me that life was wonderful and to not take one day for granted.
I will mis him very much.

Mr. Howard, thank you for letting me be part of you life "Que Dios te Bendiga"

Judi & Bob Surratt

July 22, 2008

Michael,
You have our deepest sympathy with the loss of Howard, a great guy, friend and father. Everyone one of us will miss him. He was larger than life -never missed a good time or joke, a chance to rib someone, loved his Michael and Toto. A toast to unique individual who blessed our life for a short while!

Yvette Mordini

July 21, 2008

When I think of Howard, I think of so many wonderful times that we shared together. I think of cocktail hours together, & sharing laughs with one another. I will miss him terribly!!

Linda Johnson

July 19, 2008

I had the privilege of introducing Howard to Merrill Gardens. From the day he moved in he greeted me every morning with with some quip or compliment that made my day start with a smile. I will miss that ray of sunshine. God bless you, Howard.

Harry L. Reiter

July 18, 2008

Howard was a true professional and a great guy. It was a privilege to know him.

Margaret Fuquea

July 18, 2008

Oh my Howard! How I will miss that gentleman, who held the door open for me, who bought a scarf for me because the color reminded him of my eyes, who asked about my mother every time I saw him after he was her dinner partner one night long ago. And I will miss the man that was so trusting that he believed that catus moved and followed the sun. Thanks for that Dominic, wherever YOU are.

Stella & Tom Allen

July 15, 2008

Howard was a vibrant spirit, forever the gentleman and a presence I will miss. My life is richer for knowing him and my memories will keep him in my heart. God Bless You!

Matthew Bernad

July 1, 2008

Howard was one of the kindest and funniest men I met many years ago at Bruno’s. A group of us would go there every Friday night and he would make us laugh and forget about the cares of the past week. He kept that place humming with his attentive service and his dry wit. And thank you for the wonderful write up about his life. It gave me a wonderful insight about a multifaceted man who I only knew as a funny and gracious waiter. He will be sadly missed.

Carolyn Allen

June 30, 2008

Thank you for everything Howie especially for being so loving to my Mom (Lupe Quinones) you are both in heaven now tell her and my Dad Danny that I love & miss them and I also miss your garlic thousand island dressing that you always made me I love you for being you always in my prayers.

Dan James

June 25, 2008

All my thoughts and wishes are with you. I know that Howard will be proud of the celebration of life event that is planned to commemorate his life.

Anne Walker

June 24, 2008

Dearest Michael,

You and Howie are both so blessed to have had each other. He truly was a happy, sweet and thoughtful soul and very much respected by all. He'd be greatly missed. Fortunately, he left a legacy of his loving nature and graciousness, you reflect so much of his wonderful demeanor and I'm sure he is proud beyond measure!

Andy & Jennifer Huff

June 24, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Barbra @ Bayside

June 24, 2008

Dearest Michael,
My heart goes out to you for your loss of Howard. He was one of a kind. He always made us smile when he came into the clinic with the late Toto. We know how much he loved Toto. It broke our heart when Howard lost Toto and I will never forget the smile on his face when he brought Minnie in to see us. You made your Father so very happy. We will really miss Howard very much. I still can't believe he is gone. One thing is for sure, he will NEVER be forgotten. We're here for you at the clinic Michael.

Lennart Olsson

June 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bruce Hay

June 23, 2008

As you can see, I wrote an earlier entry and in a SENIOR MOMENT I put that we met in 1995 in Hotel School which should read 1955!!!Howard just love a mistake such as this!! I can just hear him! In those days he went by the name of "Grant Ottke"... When he was a Airline Stuard. My whole Family would just have to hear the name "Grant" and would start laughing, knowing he would be saying someting funny!

Holly Fink

June 23, 2008

The San Francisco SPCA will truely miss Howard and his genuine caring and love for the people and animals he worked with. As the Adoption Director of the SF/SPCA I looked forward to Mondays to hear all of Howards new stories. We enjoyed having him and his laughter, he will be missed by all.

Robert DaPrato

June 23, 2008

A true legend in his own time.
A model for many to follow!

Erendira Leyva

June 23, 2008

Howard Thank you for always,always being so sweet and kind to me. Ill miss you.And will never forget meeting you at Brunos.

Wilma Randle

June 23, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tracey & George Hale

June 22, 2008

Howard was a special caring person, with a sarcastic wit and charm, a true gentleman, he will be dearly missed at Merrill Gardens, and in the community, where he volunteered at the human society, he truly loved animals, people and life.

Joel Panzer

June 22, 2008

Howard was special to all of us at the Executuves Association of San Francisco. The regular weekly meetings were always extra ordinary whenever Howard was there to preside over the buffet. He quickly went from being the staff person making sure that all was just right to becoming one of us...as we adopted him and he became a member of our group and our representative from the Marines Memorial Association. Howard, we are diminished by your passing...but enriched for having shared some time with you!

Bruce HAY

June 22, 2008

I too will miss Howard. We knew each other from Hotel School in 1995! He was dear to my Family and many friends. He could always make you laugh with jokes and bits of sarcasm, one after another. It will be strange not to be able to lift the phone to say hello. Rest in peace.

Tina High

June 22, 2008

As Director of Volunteers at The SFSPCA I have so many warm and wonderful memories of Howard. Every Monday there Howard would be greeting all who walked in the door of the Maddies Pet Adoption Center. Howard had a way with people and animals. On many days he would arrive with amazing baked goods for all to share.
We all were sad when He moved to Vallejo. He will be remembers as a very dashing and caring man who was loved by all who met him.

Janice Rodillas

June 22, 2008

Howard was a wonderful character in my life, I loved his scathing quips, critiques and observations. He was always in good-sarcastic humor. He will be missed by me in our soical circle. I am sure He is in heaven overlooking the "room". Party on Howard.......

lauren coodley

June 22, 2008

I never knew your father. But as a historian, I am totally impressed by the beauty of this obituary. You truly honored him and I thank you for educating me.

Charles Alves

June 22, 2008

Howard keep the party going waiting for thr rest of us to arrive

Matt Gibson

June 22, 2008

I was honored to meet, and spend time with Howard. He always brought a smile to my face, had something nice to say, and would always ask how my dog was doing. Anyone who had the privileged to meet this wonderful man should consider themselves lucky! He will be missed. I know exactly what I will be drinking tonight.

Ellyn Hae

June 22, 2008

As his God daughter (that could never get timely thank you notes in the mail) I loved him greatly. He made me giggle from the time I was born. And there was never a time that he didn't have a scathing quip to add about a subject or someone under his breath. From him I learned to squeeze fresh garlic in salads. I didn't get to see him much in his later years but I know he was loved by his family and friends. I will miss him.

Jean Sherlock

June 21, 2008

Howard will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. For those who didn't know him -I am sorry, you have missed knowing a wonderful and kind hearted person. Holidays and get togethers will not be the same without Howard.

Frank Cox

June 21, 2008

Rest in peace.

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