Stephen Sinclair Otis

1959 - 2023

Stephen Sinclair Otis
March 16, 1959 - July 13, 2023
Stephen Sinclair Otis, son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, left his earthly body on July 13, 2023, after a lengthy challenge with brain disease. Born March 16, 1959, in San Diego CA, Stephen leaves a legacy of headstrong tenacity and heartfelt humor.

A California native, Stephen attended St Eugene's Catholic School and both Cardinal Newman Catholic High School and Santa Rosa High School in Sonoma County, CA.

From an early age he had a propensity to build. By his early 20s, despite a promising sales career, he was drawn to creative endeavors. More comfortable in jeans, boots and a four-wheel drive, Stephen pursued and settled into the art of carpentry. Within a decade, he was known as a Master Craftsman/Builder throughout the Sonoma and Napa Valleys.

Despite his success in California, Stephen was pulled to create a house and home for his family in Pagosa Springs, CO and his reputation grew there. He opened his company, STAG CO (STAG Construction), incorporating the initials of his children and wife during that time. Visitors continually recognize his expertise in the constructional refinement of renowned Wolf Creek Ranch Ski Lodge and comment on the majestic two-story log home he built abutting the San Juan National Forest.

Years later, Stephen returned to the Napa Valley continuing his brand and project expansion. Many of the finest private homes, hotels and esteemed wineries in the North Bay carry the mark of Stephen's craft, the renovation of Tom Keller's kitchen at The French Laundry being one of his finest works.

Amid the multitude of memories Stephen left us our visions of his surfing antics, long-distance cycling races, air guitar riffs, high-jinks in Mexico and Hawaii, mountain camping, elk hunting, and sailing.

Stephen's courageous approach to his diagnosis, first of aphasia, then of Alzheimer's was a privilege and honor for his family to witness and share. The family extends their gratitude to Sonoma Market for their encouragement and generosity in fostering Stephen's sense of community, support and belonging by having coffee with you for as long as he could. The family also thanks his widow, Suzanne Welch, for her many months of care.

Stephen is survived by his siblings/spouses: Theresa Lee and husband, Alan Lee, Santa Rosa, CA; Paul Otis and wife, Kelly Otis, Rio Vista, CA; Mark Otis and wife, Christy Otis, Carbondale, CO; James Otis and wife, Rachel Otis, Santa Rosa, CA; Chris Otis and husband, Jon Ulsh, Walla Walla, WA; Mér Otis and wife, Jill Oldham, Erwin, TN; Jay Drew and wife, Margaret Drew, Mystic, CT; Marianna Drew, Claremont, CA; Dan Drew, Mission Viejo, CA; Sarah Ziomek and husband, Jim Ziomek, Citra FL; Wendy Van den Helder, and husband, Theo Van den Helder, La Jolla, CA; Brad Dodge, and wife, Wendy Dodge, New Castle, CO. Additionally survived by Janis Otis, stepmother, San Diego, CA; Joan Graff, aunt, Coronado, CA, and his widow, Suzanne Welch, Sonoma, CA. Stephen's legacy lives on in his children: Tiffany Snook (Gabe), Vacaville, CA; Christian Otis, Vallejo, CA; and Ashley Otis, Napa, CA; and grandchildren: Aaden, Noah and Hudson Snook; and Lucy Otis. Stephen also leaves his dearest and loving mother, Diane Drew, Santa Rosa, CA, and his beloved labrador, Annie, as well as many unnamed cousins, nieces, and nephews across the country and abroad. Preceded in death by his father, Paul James Otis, and stepfather, Edwin Porter Drew III.

No services will be held. Ashes will be spread in Hawaii at a later date.