OTTENS

The family of Ronald Dowd Ottens announces his passing on November 1, 2024 at Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg.

Born in Waltham, Massachusetts on April 12, 1945, he was the eldest son of Otto H. and Ruth G. (Thomas) Ottens.

After moving around Massachusetts and California as a child, his family settled in Gloucester, MA and Ronald graduated from Gloucester High School in 1965. Living there fostered a love of the water and lead him to Lunenburg to compete in the International Dory Races with his good friend, Robert “Woody” Greeke, winning in 1963.

It was here that he met Sonja (Oickle) and then returned to Massachusetts for deployment to Vietnam. Ronald served twice with the 3rd/34th Artillery/9th Infantry of the Mobile Riverine Force and received the Purple Heart for his sacrifice, among other medals. Upon his honourable discharge, he returned to Lunenburg and he and Sonja married in July 1969. They chose Lunenburg as their forever home to raise their three children, Randy, Stephanie and Anne.

Throughout his life Ronald worked as a Marine Engineer on many vessels in Massachusetts and Lunenburg, including the Bluenose II. Ron and Sonja took many trips to the States to visit friends and family, and he loved showing his children and grandchildren his old stomping grounds. In his later years, you could often find him fixing something broken or giving a friendly wave from his porch or the window.

He loved to share his knowledge of engines and history and would be the first to offer a meal or place to stay to anyone passing through. Ronald’s greatest joy was spending time with his family around the dinner table, especially with his great-grandchildren.

Ronald is predeceased by his parents, and brothers, Paul and Alan. He is survived and loved by his wife of 55 years, Sonja (Oickle) of Lunenburg; son, Randy Ottens of Lunenburg; daughters, Stephanie (Justin) Daniels of Gardner, MA, and Anne (Dana) Stoodley of Garden Lots; grandchildren, Evan (MacKenzie) Stoodley of Mahone Bay, Laura (Colby) Frank of Blockhouse, and Madison and Sophie Ottens of Lunenburg; great children, George, Cecilia, and Martha Stoodley; nephew, Richard (John) DiNublia of Philadelphia, PA; and nieces.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date, with additional details to be posted.