Donald Gordon Ott

Donald Gordon Ott passed away at San Joaquin Community Hospital in Bakersfield on January 3rd. He was 72. Don was born and raised in Canada (Winnepeg, Manitoba), and graduated from the University of Manitoba (BS, Physics and Chemistry) and the Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M, Old Testament Studies). He also did doctoral work in Old Testament Studies at Grace Theological Seminary. Don deeply loved the Lord Jesus Christ. His devotion to the Lord was expressed in every part of his life, especially with his family. In 1969, he married Sally Ann Ott, whom he met on a blind date, and who shared his deep love for the Lord. He was a devoted husband to Sally and a caring father to their three sons, and he loved taking his family on road trips and vacations, especially to the mountains for backpacking and fishing. In his ministerial life, he served the Lord and others tirelessly for 46 years in a variety of roles, including Bible college professor, senior pastor and diligent intercessor. During that time, in addition to his theological studies, Don earned a Specialist Instruction Credential in Special Education at California State University, Bakersfield, and a Multiple Subject Credential at the University of La Verne. In 1991, Don was one of the first teachers certified in the groundbreaking, internationally renown MOVE program (Mobility Opportunities Via Education) in special education. Don retired from special education in 2014 after 23 years of working in the Kern County School District. After retirement, Don spent much time with his family, and he especially loved being a grandpa. He also worked to obtain his American citizenship, which was granted to him in a December 2015 ceremony. In addition, he was an active member and teacher in his Bible study class at Valley Baptist Church. Don had a profound intellectual curiosity. He was a lifelong student of many subjects and an avid reader of books. He had a wonderfully infectious laugh, and a kind, patient temperament. Don is survived by his three sons, Ian of Shafter; Evan and wife, Devon, grandsons, Aiden and Keagan, and granddaughter, Emersyn, of Livermore, CA; Kevin and wife, Amy, and granddaughter, Lucy, of Santa Ynez, CA; and his brother Doug (Louise) Ott of Portage la Prairie, Canada. His father, Sigmund Ott, mother, Susan Ott, wife, Sally, and granddaughter, Lillian, preceded him in death. A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 13th, at 1:00 p.m. in Corona, California, at the Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to the Thomas Miller Mortuary. Service Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery 1125 Rimpau Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Friday 1/13, 1:00 pm Cemetery Corona Sunnyslope Cemetery 1125 Rimpau Ave. Corona, CA 92879 Thursday 1/1