Donald Gordon "Rick" OTTAWAY

DONALD GORDON OTTAWAY 'RICK'
1933 - 2011 After a courageous battle with cancer, Rick passed away at St. Michael's Hospital on Sunday, March 20, 2011. Beloved husband to Dorothy, loving father to Terri, Larry, Steve and his wife Lee-Ann. Very proud grandfather of Mitchell and Trevor. Rick graduated from UofT in Mechanical Engineering, Class 5T5, and went on to do his MBA at York University. He started his business career at Massey Ferguson. From there, he rapidly rose to hold numerous senior-level positions including, President and on the Board of Directors of Crush International, President and CEO of Maple Leaf Monarch, CEO of ADM Canada and CEO of Dutch Chemicals. He was also selected to sit on OBAC (Ontario Business Advisory Council), with other CEOs from Ontario's largest corporations, to advise the Premier on strategic issues. During his business career, he became known for his ability to turn companies around and boost corporate performance. At 6'6', Rick was an avid football player and champion basketball player in his youth. Growing up in the Beach, skipping stones into the lake, he developed a throwing arm that later enabled him to throw a football further than anyone he knew. 'OK, we need a touchdown, Rick take the ball, everyone else run for the End Zone!' ­ a.k.a. 'The Ottaway Pass.' After high school Rick was drafted by the Toronto Argonauts, but chose to enter Engineering instead. In later years his love of sports was reflected in his role as Chairman of the Board of Governors at the Ted Reeve Arena, a position he held for 20 years. By far, the endeavor that gave him the most enjoyment was the cottage. Shortly after university, Rick acquired an island on Balsam Lake. Without the benefit of electricity, he built a small 'berry box' cottage using only hand tools and trees felled by axe on site. Access to the island was by a boat he built himself. Over the years, the cottage evolved into a stunning two-storey building, a boathouse, docks, a large water tower to provide running water for indoor plumbing (hooray!) and a massive stone fireplace all built and designed by him. It was there that the family entertained many guests over the years (some even invited). Everyone enjoyed the lively dinner parties, much laughter and sing-songs with Rick playing the guitar with gusto. Rick was his own man. There were no obstacles, only challenges that, with some ingenuity, could be figured out and overcome. He was a role model for his resourcefulness and perseverance. Best of all, Rick could find humour in even the most serious of moments. He will be remembered for his strength, wisdom, quick wit, and love of family and friends. Nothing was more important to Rick than his family. They were his source of joy and comfort. He loved them dearly. Visitation will be held at the SHERRIN FUNERAL HOME, CREMATION AND TRIBUTE CENTRE, 873 Kingston Road, Toronto, 416 698-2861, on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 7-9 pm. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Beach United Church (Queen St. East at Wineva Ave) on Saturday at 2pm. In memory of Rick, donations can be made to The Salvation Army or Beach United Church.