Donald Louis Ott, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed peacefully on May 18, 2023, in Yuma, Arizona.  Don is survived by his wife Barbara Jean Kane Ott; his children: Charles Ott, Cynthia Arruda, Cara (John) Thiele, Corey (Nichola) Ott, Michael (Brandi) Cowperthwaite, Gilbert Cowperthwaite, Shane (Staci) Berry, and Craig (Jenny) Ott; his grandchildren:  Amanda (Kyle) Reese; Ellis Ott; Ethan, Alannah, and Everly Thiele; Kylie, Joanna, and Lucas Ott; Alyssa and Jesse Johnson; Trinity and Nicole Cowperthwaite; Alexa Thompson; Julia, Shane, and Charles Cowperthwaite;  and Griffin Ott; and his great-grandchildren: Piper and Sterling Reese and Desi, Dominic, and David Johnson. Don is also survived by his brothers James Edward (Rie) Ott and Richard (Carole) Anderson, and his sister Charlotte LaVerne Ott Artlip.  Don was also loved by his in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. His parents, Alous Edward and Ruby Gertrude Powell Ott, and his sister Sandra Carol Mason predeceased Don in death.

Don was born in San Francisco and raised in San Pablo and Pinole, California. He attended De Anza High School graduating in 1959. He soon entered his lifelong career as a professional truck driver accumulating over one million accident-free miles as a Teamster.

Soon after Don retired, he and his wife, Barbara, lived on their boat in the Bay Area until their home in Lincoln, California was built.  Don and Barbara's adventurous spirit soon saw them traveling throughout the United States in their RV for five years, stopping to visit family and friends.  Don and Barbara settled in Yuma, Arizona upon completion of their RV life.

Don is remembered as a caring, supportive, and loving man.  His love for Barbara, his wife of 30 years, was always shining through and he often said, "Barb, you are my best friend, and I would rather do anything with you than anyone else."

Don was an avid fisherman and enjoyed his times in Mexico, Alaska and the San Francisco Bay searching for the record fish. This passion continued up and down the Washington and Oregon Coasts as well as on the Columbia River.

He was involved in his church serving as a deacon and volunteering for various assignments.  Don was instrumental in forming the Celebrate Recovery for the North Shore Community Church in Richmond, California and later with the Adventure Christion Church in Roseville, California.  He was part of Toma Mi Mamo, a children's day care in Los Algadones, Mexico that was sponsored by donations. He enjoyed the kids and his involvement.

Don was an active member of the Booster Club at Salesian High School while son Corey attended Salesian and often served as part of the "chain gang" for football games.

Don lived a full life and was the first to assist others. Their home was always open to people who needed their love and guidance. Don's love for his wife Barbara and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren filled his life with happiness.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Don on July 15 at 10 am, at Pinole Valley Community Church, 2885 Pinole Valley Rd, Pinole, CA  94564. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Don's name to Compassus Living Foundation (hospice):  (http://compassuslivingfoundation.org)

Don went to be with the Lord knowing he was a well-loved man.