Crime & Safety
CHP Continues Investigation Into Pedestrian Death
Robert F. Ott is known for his charity work in the Los Angeles area and role as CEO at Claim Jumper. The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate his tragic death.
The California Highway Patrol continues to investigate how a Pasadena-native and Los Angeles area philanthropist died on Dec. 21, 2012.
Robert F. Ott was struck by a car near Altadena Country Club during his morning exercise, according to his sister, Lynda Ott Albright. He was 54.
The CHP plans to release a final report in April, Ott Albright told Patch.
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Ott was born in Pasadena and raised in the San Gabriel Valley.
He was a third generation Pasadena resident, living in Altadena. Robert was the great-grandson of the Culp family, owners of the long-standing Culp's Electric at Lake and Walnut Avenue, according to his Pasadena Star-News obituary.
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He graduated from Crescenta Valley High School in 1976, and attended Pasadena City College, Cal State University, Los Angeles and Cal State University, Northridge.
"Robert's abundant love and hospitality changed the hearts of all he met. His tenacity, talent wealth of knowledge and work ethic led him to an incredible career in the restaurant industry," his obituary stated.
He worked at the Claim Jumper organization for more than 20 years.
Ott began a recent venture in restaurant consulting, which allowed him to work with Maria's Italian Kitchen.
His philanthropic work includes serving on the boards of Child Share, Paz Naz Compassion Creates Change and the Salvation Army.
He ministered to the residents of Garfield Care Center by helping provide and serve holiday meals.
"He had a deep love of the outdoors; spending his free time hiking, fishing, working on his home and on annual vacations to his family's cabin In the Sierras. He was an excellent writer and an avid reader. But, most of all, Robert loved the Lord, his family and friends," his obituary said.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cindi; son Tyler; daughter Hailey; father, Frank Ott; sister, Lynda Ott Albright (David); brother Michael Ott (Cindy), nieces Rachel, Jillian and Sheridan Albright; mother-in-law Jean Schofield; sister-in-law Susan Henson (Mel); nephews Jason and Berry, aunts, uncles, numerous cousins and other family members. He has been reunited with his Mother, Carolyn (Culp) Ott.
"Robert's passing is an enormous loss to not only our family, but to our entire community; He touched every life he encountered," according to his obituary.
Services were held on Dec. 29, 2012 at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene.
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