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Richard Rotter Obituary
Dr. Rotter was active in the R.V. Tucker Cast Gold Study Club, taught at the UW Dental program and was a member and past President of the University Sunrise Rotary. In his youth, he enjoyed swimming and sailing in Wisconsin's lakes. He loved sports and played basketball, volleyball, softball and golf, and was a member of the Inglewood Golf Club from 2001-2011. He was a dedicated fan of the Mariners, Sonics, Seahawks, Huskies and his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Richard loved travel, fly-fishing, and collecting and drinking fine wines from around the world. He enjoyed sharing these passions with family and friends. Richard was an engaging conversationalist regardless of the topic and was a true and loyal friend to many. He is remembered as a very witty, intelligent person who enjoyed reading, movies, jazz, politics, art and finance.
He is survived by his loving daughters Rachel Jasmine Rotter of Seattle, WA, and Margaux Larisa Rotter of Los Angeles, CA; his devoted partner, Vanessa Hostetter of Seattle, WA; and his sister, Madalynn McCauley of Fort Lauderdale, FL. In keeping with his wishes, there will be no formal observance; however, friends will gather to celebrate his life, raise a glass in his honor and toast his spirit to the great beyond.
Memorial gifts can be made to UW Prostate Cancer Fund (65-7701).
Charitable Organization Tax ID# 94-3079432.
Checks can be mailed to:
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
c/o Dr. Celestia Higano, MD
825 Eastlake Avenue East
Mailstop G4-830
Seattle, WA 98109
On-line Donations: https://www.washington.edu/giving/make-a-gift
Sign Richard's on-line Guest Book at www.Legacy.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Rotter
Sponsored by anonymous.
Lee
September 18, 2024
Still remember enjoying your Cuban cigars on the starlit beach in Joao Pessoa, Brazil with John.
Steve Jennings
September 17, 2024
Still reelin' them in Richard, and think of you on our last trip to Sheridan.
Steve
Stephen Jennings
September 17, 2020
You didn't miss much this fishing season Richard, lousy weather and because of covid 19 I didn't take out a guide license and you would not be allowed to cross the border anyway.
But I still miss you buddy, a great client who was also a good friend. The fishing is probably better where you are!
Vicki Tompkins
September 17, 2020
Wish you were here to enjoy your two grandchildren.
Vicki Tompkins
Steve Jennings
September 17, 2019
Still reeling them in and thinking of you.
Hope the fishing is good where ever you are my friend. Miss you buddy.
David Grunwald
January 6, 2015
I was a young graduate student at UW in the late 80's - 1991 and Dr. Rotter was literally right across the street. He was a kind person, memorable and personable. My wife once said he had wine delivered once while whe was having some work done. Cool guy, just thought about him today and am very sad to hear he is gone - I wanted to visit him one last time when I get to Seattle. RIP
Chris Peterson
July 25, 2013
I Got lucky when I met Richard.
I had not been to a dentist for many years and my teeth were in poor condition.
I had hoped to find a dentist that would barter for services.
I remodeled his house and he remodled my mouth!
I am pain free to this day.
February 12, 2013
I was a classmate who sat next to Richard Rotter at Marquette. I was impressed with his knowledge of wine and Jazz and that he held his Dentistry to a high standard. He knew what he was talking about. My favorite word he used to say in disapproval was "Impure!" I will miss him but his spirit and memory are still with me.
James Rodriguez,DDS
San Diego
Karen and Robert Kellett
October 16, 2012
I met Richard through his children, who were the same ages as my own. He was a big presence in their lives; his love and devotion was very apparent. My sympathies to the family.
October 12, 2012
I met Richard on the golf course and only knew him and played with him a few times before he became so ill he had to stop. During the brief time I knew him he was a good golfer, an interesting person and fun to play with. He never complained about his illness. From what I know and found out about Richard, the memorial on October 14 will indeed be "celebrating a life well lived".
I wish I had known him longer.
Sincere condolences to the family.
John McCall
Mark & Kathy Trumbauer
October 11, 2012
We were sorry to hear about Richard's passing. Throughout the years we had lost touch with each other. We have many fond memories of Richard and BBQ's and wine and kids.................
Jacob Macias
October 8, 2012
I met Dr. Rotter in the early 80's when I moved to Seattle and needed a dentist. I lived fairly close to his practice and ketpt going to him until he quit in 2005(?). He was very caring and always gave me good advice. When I needed Orthodontics he was very concerned that I select a good one. He asked me to run some names by him prior to my selecting one which I did and he was excellent. I remember his two girls running around the office and he had to keep telling them not to bother Karen (receptionist). He was a truly caring individual and he would still be my dentist if he were here. I have yet to find someone to replace him. Richard, rest in peace and may there be no ultrasonic scalers in heaven.
October 3, 2012
Dr Rotter you are a Great Rotarian, Friend and the best Dentist I ever had.
I think of you every time I bite down.
God Bless you and Thank you! Jim Miller
October 3, 2012
I will miss you Richard. You were such a warm, loving person with a sincere heart. I was fortunate to know you as a friend. You knew how to live life and look forward to seeing you at the other end! So long my friend, mark cruz
Ann (Burbach) Hemphill
October 2, 2012
As a past fellow classmate, you will be missed. The battle was fought, now rest in peace.
Carolee Johnstone
September 30, 2012
I am very sorry that Richard has left us at such a young age. He did enjoy life to the fullest. I know that his beautiful daughters, Rachel and Margaux, and his long-time partner, Vanessa, will miss him terribly. It seems strange that he is no longer around. He always seemed to enjoy talking (arguing?) politics with me - I will miss that, and his generosity. He really had great taste in wines, which he graciously shared with all of us. Shalom, Richard.
Esther Borg
September 29, 2012
Richard became my dentist when he took over Dr. Mattson's practice all those years ago. He was by far the best dentist ever. He worked on my teeth at the UW dental school, and every dentist I've gone to since has gone ga-ga over my gold work!
On the personal side, we became friends. He enjoyed visiting my gardens over the years, and especially appreciated the fresh vegetables I shared with him.
He was a dear man, and I will miss him.
Robin Bridges
September 29, 2012
I was very sad to see this news. I have fond memories of training with Richard in karate. He was such a nice guy, not ever abusing others with his size and strength, though very capable. It has been a lot of years since I last saw him, but I have good memories. Off on a new journey now Richard.
James Eby
September 28, 2012
Richard and I shared many fabulous times together from high school and beyond with many fine memories and stories to tell. Dick thoroughly enjoyed life to the fullest and was a great friend. He had wisdom and a wonderful persepective on life. You will be missed, my friend!
Karin Erdelyi
September 27, 2012
Richard will be rememberd by many, especially,by his longtime patients.May his
journey be free of pain and
filled with peace.
Rowena JUbay
September 26, 2012
I don't know what to say. I'm speechless. The last time I saw you, you were not feeling good. I went and got a wheelchair for you. My heart aches. I miss you so much.
Richard Rotter
September 26, 2012
I met Dr. Rotter at SCCA. He was very kind and very nice even when he's not feeling well. He is one of my favorite and special patient. I miss him dearly. We talked a lot. We talked about his kids and also his work being a dentist. I'm saddened and shocked to find out he is gone. I will miss him terribly. I will never forget that last year Christmas time he bough me 1 box of toothpaste . I can believe this. Rest I peaceDr.Rotter. I'm so sad I will never see you again.
Barb Klein
September 26, 2012
I met Richard through University Sunrise Rotary. He was truly courageous in facing his illness and an inspiration to our club. Richard, you are missed.
Lee Raaen
September 26, 2012
Richard was a great Rotarian who time and again exemplified Service Above Self in a wide variety of projects. He traveled with a small group to Brazil to visit some of our Club's projects, and Richard help make it a trip of a lifetime. He was club president and a District Group Study Exchange Team Leader. I have posted photos of some of Richard's Rotary service at http://usrotary.org/clubserv.htm#Remembering_Richard
Mike Crowley
September 26, 2012
I met Richard when he was still in high school and spent the summers with his parents, Earle and Fern at Big Cedar Lake near West Bend Wisconsin. He helped my son learn how to sail and was always a good neighbor at the Weinshel compound on Big Cedar Lake where we all had cottages. Richard loved to eat "Grandma" Weinshel's potatoe pancakes and she loved to make them for him and the rest of us. (I think he got the last batch that she ever made when she "retired" from cooking.)
Safe passage, Richard
Joni Sharrah
September 26, 2012
Richard was an excellent student of life! Richard was also a generous and gentle person. I have many fond memories of training with Richard and his daughter at our dojo in Firdale Village, and Richard's attention to detail, artistic approach to life, and compassion toward others was a great contribution to our karate community. RIP dear Dr. Rotter, Peace and love be with your loved ones.
B Sako
September 26, 2012
wine and quality dentistry for the angels. rip buddy.
Vicki Tompkins
September 25, 2012
Richard leaves behind two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Margaux. Rachel and my daughter Nicole have been best friends all their 25 years.
Keith Hodgins
September 25, 2012
Richard was a grand champion for those inflicted with prostate cancer. Because of Dicks guidance I am a survivor. He was caring, a true friend with a candid, wonderful sense of humor. He left behind memories of many good times and so many "laugh til it hurts" moments. Will miss him dearly!
Nancy Bittner
September 25, 2012
Richard will be remembered by his service to his community. He fought his battle with cancer in a very noble way.
Steve Jennings
September 25, 2012
Richard was a guiding client of mine both in Canada and Nicaragua. He loved fly fishing and shared details of his many trips, never a boring moment for a captive audience in a guide boat!
Thank you Ricardo for the friendship,great stories, and the wines.
John Barrett
September 24, 2012
Hey Richard, I met you well after you learned to live with your cancer. From my perspective you did that with as much dignity, good humor and zest for life as I could imagine anyone doing. Hell, I didn't even learn you had cancer until well after we met. South American and Canadian fly fishing was really amazingly satisfying and fun. Your presence and participation made those "continuing education" sessions that much more enjoyable. Keep chasing the fish and the wines wherever you are, friend.
September 24, 2012
In the early stages of Richard's disease he and I spoke quite openly and often about new discoveries in cancer. He quizzed me often about what the University was doing. Even tho' this certainly was not my field, I went to several seminars on prostate cancer and Richard alwasys wanted to know "what's new". I had a houseguest visiting from Arizona one time that drove him to SCCA on a day that I could not; she was quite impressed that he was so open about his disease. Richard will be missed by many and I agree that he left us all too soon. Colleen Johnson
Bob Tacy
September 24, 2012
Richard never let the Big C destroy his enthusiasm for enjoying life! When he first told me of the severity of his cancer, I feared he would be gone soon. But he sustained for years, and lived life to the fullest all the while. We always seemed to meet up at random places ( mostly flyfishing venues), and he was always in great spirits---you would have never known he was seriously Ill. He was always eager to share one of his best bottles of wine with you. A true gentlemen, avid fisherman and sophisticated wine lover--We'll all miss him!
Peter Glidden
September 24, 2012
I got to know Richard through our shared love of fine wine. It sounds like he approached this passion as he did most other areas of his life, with passion, generosity and a desire to share knowledge. I raise a glass to you my friend.
Ben Porter
September 24, 2012
Richard, as any good Badger would be, was very fond of brats on the grill. He and I shared fishing stories, and stories about fishing in the North Woods of Wisconsin at our weekly Rotary meetings. I will those discussions.
Ben Porter
Arnold Swanberg
September 24, 2012
Richard taught me how to live during a terminal illness--it was a great lesson.
Lynn Rotter
September 24, 2012
We will miss you Uncle Richard!! I am sad that I only got to meet you a few times but will cherish the memories.
Rod Wentworth
September 24, 2012
We shared a passion for dentistry, fly fishing and fine wines. He was at the top of the class in all these endeavors. Richard will be missed.
Hal Beals
September 24, 2012
Richard was an important member of our club and a good friend. I will not forget his courage and generousity in the face of his illness.
Merrill Mayer
September 24, 2012
Although I did not know Richard well. I always appreciated his insight and compassion.
Ed Bronsdon
September 24, 2012
Richard was a terrific Rotarian. He was a "difference maker" in the University Sunrise Rotary Club and in our community. We miss him - but he will not be forgotten.
September 24, 2012
I enjoyed working with Richard. He was upstairs from me as a dentist. We had many golf days together once he retired. I missed a chance to have dinner with him in April and I feel terrible about that now. A great guy and he will be sorely missed. God Bless you Richard. Tim Carey, MD
Keith Prince
September 24, 2012
Richard conributed much to his community through his Rotary service. He was instumental in the starting of the University of Washington Rotaract student service organization. He was a fine person to be with and could engage intelligently on a wide range of subjects from fine wines and gormet eating to politics and travel.
Tom Ranken
September 24, 2012
Richard was a good friend, a quality guy, and a fine Rotarian. He will be missed by all of us--including my entire family, who were all his patients.
Jerry Wabey
September 24, 2012
I had the good fortune to knwo RR for about 20+ years. He moved into my neighborhood and we became friends, he was my familiy Dentist until he sold his practice on the onset of the cancer. For most of the last 15 years he has been a regular at a month poker game at my house, RR was a skilled and aggressive poker player. RR also love golf and joined Inglewood golf club many yers ago, I also joined the club a few years ago and enjoyed playing with RR many times. He will be missed and was truly a good friend. Best in Peace RR.
Tanya Brehm
September 24, 2012
My family really enjoyed having Richard in our karate class. He was fun and a good karate partner!
Sherry LeVine Zander
September 23, 2012
We have lost a truely fine person, way too early. With loving memories,
September 23, 2012
My pain runs deep but memories overpower the sadness I feel. Our trip senior year to the Gulf was one of the fondest memories of my life. Living together during college was quite the experience and will always rank high in my thoughts. My prayers are with all of us who were close to Dick. PEACE!
Dave Glick, Elm Grove, WI
tony and melanie perez
September 23, 2012
Richard left us way too soon. We cherish and protect the memory of our times together.
Brian Waid
September 23, 2012
Just wanted to leave a note of recognition for the impact Richard had on so many through his service in Rotary, including as our Group Study Exchange leader of goodwill to Turkey, and his support in the creation of the Rotaract Club at the UW. Well done faithful servant.
Mindy Pearce. (Gaines)
September 23, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of such a fine person! I met Richard during my summer session at University Of Wisconsin. We shared many wonderful memories together . My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
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