Thomas Garfield Otto

Thomas (Tom) Garfield Otto of Athabasca Alberta, formally of Missoula, MT and Warner, AB passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, after battling a very debilitating disease. Tom was born January 5, 1958 and raised on the family farm in Warner. Tom loved farming. He had an amazing talent for mechanics and electrical using his expertise over the years working on machinery, trucks, and any vehicle, but especially loved working on his Harley. Tom attended Lethbridge College in the 70’s for  Ag Mechanics and gained valuable experience and expertise in welding and mechanics. Tom had two daughters, Sadie and Tyra and loved them dearly doing his best to raise them well.  Tom never shied away from showing them the value of hard work, dedication, and what a woman could do. Tom farmed from his early teens until 2004. It was then he decided to go back to school, obtain his GED and pursue a career in nursing, being accepted into the Registered Nurse program. Tom attended Lethbridge College and enjoyed his studies, gaining valuable experience while doing his education and practicums at the Lethbridge Hospital. Part way through his education, Dad transferred his studies to the University of Montana, in Missoula, where he lived in his mountain cabin acreage until the Fall of 2022.  Although Dad did not finish his studies, we are so very proud of his efforts to show us that life can throw you curveballs and you might have to change directions. Dad used his commercial license working as driver instructor training commercial trucker drivers, owning his own trucking company hauling logs in Montana, also venturing into short hauls for a local company in Missoula. Dad enjoyed working hard, he did every day of his life, pouring his heart and soul into everything he did. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley. He made many trips across the United States and Alberta. Tom enjoyed going to the lake with his boat cruising around and fishing. Tom loved his companions, his dogs and cats, always having his trusted companion at his side. Dad loved his children and grandchildren enjoying them as much as he could up until the time of his passing. Dad had many friends and a loving family who will miss him dearly. When Dad moved to Athabasca to live with his daughter Sadie, he enjoyed driving around to the lakes, taking trips to the Canadian Tractor Museum, and the other natural attractions the area has to offer. Dad will be missed terribly; he would want us, in honor of his memory, to spread kindness to anyone we encounter and to help a person when we can; not asking for anything in return.

Tom is survived by his daughter Sadie Lowe of Athabasca, AB and her children Makila, Izabella, Maddox and Ezmay, daughter Tyra(Ben) Otto-Mason of Calhan, CO and their children Logan, Blaze, Damion, Tuezdai, Lestat, Cael Jace, and Kade, his brother Brian (Carolyn) Otto of Warner, AB,  his sister Sharol (Steven) Wile of Lethbridge, AB, Susan Bozarth-Otto of Sunburst, MT,  and her children Brian Farbo of Portland, OR, his children Danica (Cody) Pesio and their children Rylan and Easton and Demi (Zane), Kari Farbo (Adam) of Kevin, MT, and Nathan (Brandy) Farbo of Sunburst, MT, their children, Cierrah and Marryn (Gabe) and their child Lynkoln, along with many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends. He is also survived by his beloved furry and loyal companion Moog.  

Tom was predeceased by his parents John and Ruth Otto, numerous aunts and uncles along with his former loyal furry companions Bingo, Buzz, Mama Kitty, Kane, Harley, Tanner, Ruffus and H.D.   

As per Tom’s wishes there will be no funeral. The family will hold a celebration of life & memorial ride in Athabasca, AB in the Spring. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the following causes:

S.C.A.R.S – Animal rescue use the link- Donate to SCARS — SCARS Giving

Pleasant Valley Lodge- (PVL Fundraising Club) for their Park Project

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Craig for his unbounding patience and tremendous compassion, the staff at the Athabasca Professional building, the staff at the Pleasant Valley Lodge, and the staff at the Athabasca Hospital for all the care Dad received.

~May the winds blow on your face as you ride freely in the sky~ We will miss you always Daddy!

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