Robert H. Ottmar

June 25, 1943 – April 22, 2018

The heart of our family, Robert H. Ottmar, 74, was called to join his family and friends that passed before him in heaven on Sunday, April 22, 2018 after a long-term battle with heart disease. He was blessed and comforted knowing his family and friends were with him at the end because family gatherings were what he cherished most.

Born Robert H. Ottmar on June 25, 1943 to George and Irene Ottmar, Bob was the eldest of their five children. He felt blessed when he gained two additional brothers later in life.

Losing his own father at a very young age, Bob’s task in life was to carry on the traditions, values, and family history he was so very proud of. He dedicated his life to living the “old cowboy” way.

Bob was blessed with two sons, Joe and Kelly. Bob was so very proud of both of his sons and their lifelong accomplishments. He always let them know how much he loved them and how very proud he was of them.

And when his two grandchildren Kayla and Coy “C.J.” were brought into his life, “Pa Bob” was over the moon with pride and joy.

Kayla followed Bob’s love for the cowboy way of life through rodeo. Bob was a member of the RCA Rodeo Association in his early years as well as the team roping associations. He competed in bareback and saddle bronc events. And when he was unable to compete anymore, he found a way to remain active in the rodeo world by becoming a professional rodeo photographer. In his lifetime, he never missed a performance of the Moses Lake Roundup.

Coy “C.J.” followed Bob’s love of fishing and Dutch oven cooking. C.J. was Bob’s fishing buddy and many hours were spent going fishing together. Bob was an avid competition bass fisherman in his early years. Helping his Pa build the chuckwagon gave C.J. the opportunity to learn the value of traditional ways of life.

Throughout Bob’s life, he had many accomplishments, from careers in welding, pro rodeo photography, owning a four-wheel drive shop and becoming a Grant County Sheriff Deputy and volunteer firefighter to becoming a welding instructor at Job Corps, just to name a few.

Bob found his true calling on this earth; which was keeping alive the Old West way of life by becoming a well known saddle maker and leatherman with his Ottmar Saddlery shop, as well as Dutch oven cooking with the chuckwagon he built from the wheels up. It wasn’t long before he was making appearances all over with that chuckwagon, and with Randy Russell by his side, he educated all who would listen about this way of life.

Bob wrote and published his famous Dutch oven cookbook and there wasn’t a time he didn’t have one close by to share with others.

Bob was the kindest, sweetest, most gentle man; with the biggest heart. I am blessed to have had him as my father-in-law and will treasure every moment spent with him and every memory we made.

Bob is survived by his two sons Joe Ottmar (wife Denyse) and Kelly Ottmar (girlfriend Melanie); grandchildren Kayla and Coy; brothers Garry Ottmar, Larry Ottmar, Todd McLain and James McLain and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Irene, father George, infant sister Katherine and brother Howard.

He treasured each and every person who came into his life. The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the following people: the Russell family, the Melcher family, the Thomas family, the Friswold family and, Bob Bitton, as well as so many others. You truly blessed our family with your help and support through these past few weeks.

Bob’s celebration of his life will be held at Columbia Basin Elks Lodge, Moses Lake on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at 1 p.m.

Please sign the online guestbook or share a memory with family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements in care of Kayser Chapel & Crematory.