Garth Otis

With love and gratitude we celebrate the life of Garth Atwood Otis, a beloved father, partner, and friend, who died August 26, 2025 at the age of 88. Born in Stockton, CA, on August 21, 1937 Garth was the middle child of Sylvia and Nevin Otis, and was preceded in death by his sisters, Jan Yager and Sarilee Sass. He is survived by his son, Michael Otis, and his partner, Gina Stout.

Garth grew up on a ranch in Northern California, where he developed his lifelong love of nature, animals, and working with his hands. He later graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, a foundation that would help guide his future career path.

Professionally, Garth's contributions were broad. He began his career with Boeing enhancing the Cold War effort by working on the Minuteman missile project, then went on to serve as a Civil Engineer at Bechtel (Mining and Metals division), where he helped develop infrastructure in underdeveloped countries. Later, he turned his skills and creativity toward real estate, renovating Victorian apartment buildings in San Francisco by doing all the work himself (plumbing, electrical, carpentry) before becoming a successful real estate investor.

His personal passions included tennis, skiing, hiking and traveling the world. He was an excellent tennis player even though he didn't start playing until his 40's. Yet he was able to master the game while more importantly creating a lasting circle of great friends through doing it. He also enjoyed watching it, traveling to all Grand Slam events at least once - Wimbledon, US Open, Roland Garros, and Australian Open.

Whether climbing to see Machu Picchu in Peru, going on safari in South Africa, or snorkeling in the crystal waters of Maui, Garth always brought humor, joy, and an adventurous spirit. His fun energy was contagious, and he had a gift for making every experience brighter for those around him.

He said some of his best life moments were with his son and his friends and their parents, whether attending their baseball or football games, going on ski trips, water skiing or watching the San Francisco Forty Niners play.

Stories abound of Garth touching many people's lives and being there for them on many different levels , whether it was coming to the rescue by spraying pepper spray to protect a friend from an oncoming bear, or grabbing the life vest of another who was about to fall out of the boat on a rafting trip and preventing them from going overboard through rough rapids or simply offering assistance to someone in need. He was that kind of guy.

In his later years, he made a habit of watching the sun come up in his back yard while drinking his morning coffee, looking at the local mountains in the distance as his cats sauntered by, and confirming out loud that

"life is good, we are so fortunate".

While realizing many of his friends and remaining family are widespread, there won't be a formal service, but perhaps you can raise a glass in his honor and toast to him and your friendship.

He will be sorely missed.

In leu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arizona Humane Society where his and Gina's cats, Jackson and Tara, were rescued.