M. Larry Ottis

M. Larry Ottis, age 74, of Grants Pass, died Sunday, September 18, 2011 of heart complications at his home.

Larry was born August 10, 1937 in Fargo, North Dakota to Melvin & Alice Ottis. He graduated from Grants Pass High School, the University of Oregon, and from the University of Oregon School Of Medicine in Portland, where he met his bride, Nancy Bond. The young couple sailed to Panama, where Dr. Ottis took his medical internship and ophthalmology residency training at Gorgas Hospital. Both their children were born in the Panama Canal Zone.

In the Viet Nam war Dr Ottis served in an evacuation surgical hospital at Tuy Hoa before returning with his family to Grants Pass to establish a practice as the first ophthalmologist in Josephine County.

Larry loved his family, loved living in Southern Oregon, and loved exploring unbeaten paths around the world, bargaining in the exotic bazaars. He was an avid racquetball player and he pursued studies in a variety of fields. Those who knew him enjoyed his boundless energy, his quick wit, and his endless repertoire of stories.

Larry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Nancy Ottis of Grants Pass; his son, Mark Ottis of Ashland; his daughter, Kirstin Connolly and family of Grants Pass; and his sister, Marilyn Dodge of Portland.

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Newman United Methodist Church, 132 NE B Street, Grants Pass. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.