Hartmann, Otto passed away on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the age of 79 years.
Predeceased by son Shane and stepson Sean, Otto is survived by caring wife Diana; children Sonya (Ryan), Lydia and Laura; step children Kristi (Brad), and Katherine (Jamie); grandchildren Corey (Leigh-Ann), Dylan, Nicholas, Deanna, Theo, Jennifer (Jessie), Katie (Will), Emilie and Kyle; great grandchildren Alaska and Alex; siblings Ernst (Rose), Helmut, Richard (Nancy) and Ewald (Mavis); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.
Born in Europe, Otto came to Canada as a teen, specifically to the Okanagon with his family. In 1957 Otto joined the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, 2nd Battalion Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces and passed the parajump course to become a member of the Second Commando Canadian Airborne Regiment. Otto devoted 31 years of his life to the military. After retirement he became a training officer for the Army Cadets. He was an active and enthusiastic military man and team leader who was selected for special military exercises. As a civilian, he and his good friend Jim Melloy ran the “Blue Tarp Lodge’. Otto would be remembered for leading early morning walks up the mountain and the white knuckled rappelling down the rocks. He enjoyed keeping himself in top physical condition, and excelled at sports, both during his years in the armed forces and afterwards. He was an excellent boxer and he played and coached soccer. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing, camping, dragon boating, hiking and gardening and he made the best smoked salmon and wine around. He was a man of talent and courage, who retained the respect and friendship of many of his comrades throughout the years. He was loved, and will be missed by many.
According to Otto’s wishes, no formal service will be held. A Graveside Inurnment will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at the Field of Honour, Greenwood Cemetery, Josephine Road. Stories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca
In lieu of flowers, donations in Otto’s memory may be made to the Alzheimers Society of BC, Suite #300 – 828 West 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC., V5Z 1E2