Otto Haller

Otto was born in the town of Schramberg, in the Black Forest region of Germany just before the beginning of World War II. Life in Germany was not easy at that time, and he and his family faced many hardships.

When he was 8, Otto left his family home to live and work on a farm. In his teens, he became an apprentice confectioner, learning to make ice cream, pastries, and other sweets.

When he was 16, he moved to Hamilton, Ontario with his mother and younger sister. He soon got a job as a cook in a hospital. Over the next decade, he worked as a cook and chef in various restaurants and resorts. In his late 20s, a friend suggested that he teach cooking. Otto liked the idea, completed his high school equivalency, and got hired as a cooking teacher in northern Ontario.

This experience sparked a love of learning, and motivated Otto to apply to Carleton University. He completed a BA (Hons) a few years later. At Carleton, he was also introduced to Transcendental Meditation, which put him on a lifelong spiritual path.

In the early 1970s, Otto moved to Calgary where he completed an MSc and a PhD in psychology. He met his common-law partner of 16 years, Margaret, and became a father to Melissa.

After finishing his PhD, Otto worked as a researcher and college instructor in Alberta and British Columbia until his retirement. During this time, he continued to explore his spirituality. He participated in and led many personal growth and spiritual workshops. Through these experiences, he became a friend and mentor to many.

After retiring, Otto spent happy hours gardening, meditating, writing, and connecting with friends. He moved to Courtenay in 2009.

Otto shared much joy and love in his time on earth. He was a gentle, kind, and open-hearted man. He will be missed.

A a celebration of life for Otto will be held Monday, November 25, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Yates Memorial Funeral Services, 1000 Allsbrook Road, Parksville, British Columbia V9P 2A9.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Otto's memory may be made to Comox Valley Hospice Society, 2900 Cliffe Ave. , Courtenay, British Columbia V9N 0J1 CA, https://comoxhospice.com/donate-now.