The University of Alberta banner is flying at half-mast from June 27–30, 2022 in remembrance of Dr. Frederick Otto, Professor Emeritus, former Dean, Faculty of Engineering and former Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Dr. Frederick Otto passed away on May 1, 2022.
With profound sadness, and appreciation for his amazing life, we share the passing of Fred Otto. He was in his 88th year and is survived by Helen, his loving wife and soulmate of 61 years, three children and ten grandchildren: David and Jannine Otto (Claire, Christopher, Sarah); Joanne and Timothy Caulfield (Adam, Alison, Jane, Michael); and Catherine and Jeff Holt (Evan, Ryan, James).
Fred was born in Hardisty, Alberta, January 12, 1935 to the late Douglas and Mable Otto, and is survived by his sister Florence Mesland in Ouderkerk, Netherlands.
Fred grew up in Mannville and graduated from high school in 1953. He attended the University of Alberta, Faculty of Engineering, with a scholarship covering his tuition fees. In 1956, while working as a summer student for Atomic Energy of Canada in Chalk River, Ontario, Fred met Helen Brown, who was a summer student from Carleton University. They were married in 1960 in Westmeath, Ontario, and subsequently settled in Edmonton.
Fred graduated in Chemical Engineering at the U of A in 1957, with the APEGA Gold Medal for highest honours. He received his Masters in 1958 and then entered the PhD program at the University of Michigan. Upon completing his doctorate, Fred returned to his alma mater in 1962 as an Assistant Professor in the Chemical Engineering Department. He later became Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering (1970 - 84) and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (1985 - 94).
Fred had a great passion for his profession and held many leadership positions, including President of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA), President of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering, Chair of the APEGA board of examiners, Member of the Governing Council of the National Research Council, President and CEO of DBR International, and Public Member of the Alberta Institute of Agrologists. He was a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering, Engineers Canada, the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Canadian Society of Senior Engineers and recipient of many awards, including the APEGA Centennial Award.
Involvement in the community was a big part of Fred's life. He volunteered with the CapitalCare Foundation Board for nine years. As Chair for the Cooking Up Quality of Life Campaign, he successfully raised $4.5 million, to renovate and refurbish seventeen dining rooms in three of their older long term care centres.
As Past President of the Probus Club of South Edmonton and member of The Gyro Club he enjoyed spreading his wings and developing new friendships.
Fred often said his family was his greatest accomplishment. He eagerly and unconditionally supported his children and grandchildren in all of their activities and education. He loved hockey and curling and was a strong supporter of the arts community.
After retirement, Fred and Helen enjoyed extensive travel throughout the world, but always found greatest enjoyment at their home and cottage with family and beloved pets, Bailey and Zoe.
Fred was a very modest, thoughtful, kind, and generous man. He will be dearly missed. During his recent illness he was very appreciative of the exceptional love and care provided by his children. Thanks also to the kind staff on 5E3 at the University of Alberta Hospital.
A Celebration of Fred's life will take place at St. Timothy's Anglican Church, 8420 -145 St, on June 27, 2022 at 1 p.m.
Those wishing to send condolences or to share a memory, tribute, photo or make a donation in Fred's memory, please visit www.SouthSideMemorial.com. Donations can be made to "Fred and Helen Otto DiscoverE Endowment" at the U of A, Faculty of Engineering (a program established under Fred's leadership to provide fun, interactive engineering experiences to youth), or CapitalCare Foundation (6th floor, 10909 Jasper Ave., T5J 3M9)
To plant a tree in memory of Frederick OTTO, please visit Tribute Store.
For information about lowering the University of Alberta banner, visit the In Memoriam webpage.