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1929
2015
Frank Ottiwell
August 14, 1929 - August 20, 2015
The San Francisco and greater theater community mourns the loss of Frank Ottiwell, actor, teacher and a member of the core group that brought the American Conservatory Theater and the Alexander Technique to San Francisco in 1967. He died last week at the age of 86.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Frank and my mother Isabelle were cousins, aunthis mother was her aunt. I met aunty Rita and uncle Frank when they visited her sister Isabella Douglass.
Paul Mullen
Family
August 22, 2022
Miss you Frank! But you are with me every day helping me to be a better AT Teacher. XOXO
Carol Prentice
Friend
August 21, 2022
3/23/21 I just learned of his death as I was searching the Internet for him.
Frank was a dear friend and colleague. We studied with Judith Leibowitz and taught the Alexander Technique in New York City. He was a kind, intelligent. witty. and compassionate human being. I think of him often.
Lee Dunne
Friend
February 24, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lee Dunne
February 24, 2021
Still think of Frank almost every day as I teach the AT. He was a gifted teacher, mentor, and friend. Miss you Frank!
Carol Prentice
Friend
August 21, 2020
I didn't know Frank but I know I am related from family history research, all my best to his family and friends.
Stephen Garbutt
Family
August 21, 2020
Frank was teaching the Technique in the U.S. at a time when professional standards hadn't been hammered out. Rather than being defensive or truculent. He traveled to England and met with and studied with, the most senior teachers in the world.
His teaching had a clarity, a freedom from affectation or ritual, that was a full expression of the humility, honesty, and commitment, that he embodied in all things.
I saw him once, in a small part in King Lear. In a large, noisy production, he was the only actor whose every word could be heard in the balcony.
John Coffin
October 17, 2015
I have just read the obituary (I live in England). I didn't know Frank, however I seem to be in an extended family of artists, going back to Putty Garbutt (I'm a bass guitar player). My best wishes to his family and friends.
Stephen Garbutt
September 4, 2015
A gentle hero. Wise, compassionate, warm. Sometimes stern, only for the good of the teaching or situation. One of the major influences of my life. His memory will be a blessing for me and so many whose lives he enhanced.
September 1, 2015
Frank, most dear and constant of friends, words cannot convey the gratitude I will always feel towards you, and the respect I have for your artistry. Yes, you truly were a treasure for the world. Oh what a kind and skillful heart you showed us. Kurt, I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers.
Tony Hoeber
September 1, 2015
Frank was one of my greatest teachers and dearest mentors. He taught me more with fewer words than I could ever hope to convey. All of my love and deepest thanks. Forward and up. - Rob Seitelman
Rob Seitelman
September 1, 2015
What an incredible teacher and man! I feel so fortunate to have been touched by his "magic" hands. I have so many fond memories of attending class in his "sanctuary" at 450 Geary during my years at ACT. I send my condolences to all of his family.
Susan Appel
August 31, 2015
Oh, Frank. The world is a kinder gentler place because you were in it! Not everyone actually leaves the world a better place...you did. My heart goes out to you, Kurt. Know that I am holding you in my heart.
Katherine James
August 31, 2015
Will never forget the secrets you shared with me, Frank. Your observations were on the money, time after time. Your magnanimous attitude and skilled tactfulness was a breath of fresh air among competitors. Will miss you being in the real world. It's your voice that will always be in some of my "directing." I'm sure that's the case for many of your A.T. students. I can only hope that my life will be as meaningful for others as you made your life become. My hat is off to you at the curtain of your life, my friend.
August 30, 2015
Grace,integrity,modesty,wit and generosity,these qualities of Frank's made being in his company an absolute treat. I trained from 1995-1998 and had the honor of assisting his class for many years after that. Observing his command in teaching ACT MFA acting students was like witnessing an alchemist who with magic hands, a twinkle in his eye and an infinite number of tales to tell, practiced his craft. He taught thousands of people, yet when he was with you, he was so in the moment, so skilled at understanding what you needed and what was happening and such a fine exponent of The Work.
August 28, 2015
Josephine Gray
August 28, 2015
Frank's gifts to the international community of Alexander Technique will resonate for a long time. My condolences to those who had a close relationship. Observing from a distance he was a magnificent human being. Huzzah to that!
Kathryn Miranda
August 28, 2015
He was my teacher, mentor and dear friend. He pulled me out of my own despair each day in my training with him from 1983-86. He was tough and honest, yet he had a deep understanding of the human plight that allowed him to be compassionate and gentle.
He was a gifted Alexander Technique teacher who never lost his curiosity to learn...and then teach others.
I will miss those moments that when I was with him and ask him a 'life' question...we would pause, and tell it to me straight. Thank you Frank! I send you love and great blessings. Always, Carol
Carol Prentice
August 28, 2015
Condolences to you, Kurt. You were an amazing pillar of strength and support for Frank. Love and prayers.
Allison Fano
August 28, 2015
Rest in Love and Peace
Allison Fano
August 28, 2015
Frank was such a special person who touched my life and clearly so many others. He was always warm-hearted, gentle, loving and sincere. He had a truly caring spirit and loved to help others. My condolences to his spouse, and my wonderful friend, Kurt. Frank will be missed by me and my entire family.
Allison Fano
August 28, 2015
Frank was a luminary in the uAlexander Technique world in the U.S. I feel privileged to have been a close friend and colleague of Frank's for many years. Frank was a wise and sensitive soul who brilliantly guided so many people into a better direction, and we have lost someone very special.
Judith Stransky
August 28, 2015
Ah! How i will miss him!
He taught me to "care and not to care"
Loved his amazing hands, his sensitivity,
The sparkle in his eyes..
And when he sang Maria..
I felt so welcomed and free in his School
For the Alexander Technique..
Maria I Navarro
1980 to graduation in 1983
Maria Navarro
August 27, 2015
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