John Arthur Otteson

John Arthur Otteson, 69, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on July 7, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on February 6, 1956, John was the son of his late parents, Jean (Pohle) and Wendell Otteson. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Diana Otteson (nee Thompson).

John is survived by a daughter, Amy (Jerri) Otteson and a son, Zachary (Adeah) Otteson; his cherished grandchildren, Jess (Trenna Polchies) Beckwith, Nathan (Nathalie Pugh) Beckwith and Malachi John Otteson; beloved sisters, Peggy (Dennis) Randolph, Nancy (Dana) Jones and Wendy (Stephen Del Valle) Laiso; in-laws, Calvin and Joyce Thompson, Jacquie Thompson, Calvin (Rosemary) Thompson and Lisa Thompson; as well as his treasured nieces, nephews and extended family members.

John moved with his parents to Canada when he was two. His early years were spent roaming the fields, fishing in the streams, and other boyhood adventures with his friends in rural Nova Scotia.

John graduated from Acadia University with a BEd in 1979 and moved to Fredericton to begin his teaching career at Devon Park Christian School. While there, he met his wife, Diana. They were married in 1980 and moved to Charlottetown. In 1983, they returned to Fredericton where John worked as a carpenter, and then in various roles at the New Brunswick Training School. In 1995, John moved to Social Development as a Case Manager, eventually transitioning from the regional office to the head office. He ended his career as Acting Director of Income Support. In March, 2020, John was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, and he officially retired in February, 2022.

John’s son, daughter and grandsons were the loves of his life. He was never happier than being in the middle of a family gathering, eating a meal, playing games, and sharing some laughs.

When asked recently which accomplishments he was most proud of, he recalled building his home in Islandview in 1990, and the team he assembled at Social Development. He loved his job and the people he worked with. They achieved many stellar results under John’s leadership.

John had the opportunity to go on many adventures prior to becoming ill. He went on short term mission trips in the Dominican Republic and delivered radios in the Andes Mountains in Bolivia. He had the opportunity to travel to Norway to explore the area where his great-grandparents had lived prior to immigrating to North Dakota. Travels to Italy, France, Greece, Scandinavia and Russia with Dan & Sherry, Bob & Ann and his Norwegian cousins were some of the highlights.

John had two other passions – golf and the Raptors. His goal at retirement was to play golf as much as possible. He had memberships at Kingswood and then West Hills, and played several times weekly with his buddies. His favourite course was the Algonquin in Saint Andrews. John’s passion for the Toronto Raptors was unmatched. He followed every aspect of the team and kept up with coaching changes, management decisions, trades, drafts, and every player on the roster. He loved it all. For a surprise trip in 2023, he travelled with Amy and Jerri to Toronto to see them play and, true to current Raptors form, they lost both games.

John & Diana’s happy place was their RV at Oceanfront Campground in Saint Andrews. Most summer weekends were spent biking the trails with his friend Kenny, enjoying the sea air and visiting with friends.

John’s secret power was his ability to connect with people. He had a genuine interest in the lives of everyone he met, always making friends and touching lives with his compassion, kindness and self-deprecating sense of humour.

A heartfelt thank you to the palliative care team, Dr. Frenette, Dr. Goodyear and Dr. Wilson, and the oncology and extra mural nurses for their kindness, compassion and care. Thanks to Steve, Mitch, Brian, Sherry & Dan, Jo & AJ, Bob & Ann and Valerie & David for their faithfulness, and all those who sent messages of encouragement throughout the past few months – you know who you are.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Kingswood Lodge on July 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Remembrances will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and share your favourite memories of John.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Mount Traber Bible Camp in Cooks Brook, Nova Scotia, Meals on Wheels, or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.