Maurice L. Otterbacher, 84

Maurice L. Otterbacher, 84, better known as Maury, peacefully left those who loved him on April 30, 2005. He was a resident of Fallbrook since 2002.

Maury was many things to many people: a devoted husband; loving dad, grandpa, great-grandpa; brother; trusted friend; and respected businessman. All who knew Maury agree that his most memorable trait was his quick wit and ability to bring gales of laughter to any gathering.

Maurice Leo was born on April 24, 1921, in Sand Lake, MI. After graduating from Sand Lake High School, he enrolled in junior college with hopes of becoming an architect, but WWII changed those plans.

On April 16, 1942, he wed Mary Maxine Stout. He joined the Army and was first sent to radio school and eventually became a flight instructor training pilots at Randolph Field in San Antonio, TX. In 1955 he started his own business, MorElectric Heating Dist., in Grand Rapids, MI, which he owned for 30 years. Maury was also an avid builder, an inventor, dreaming up innovative features for his many homes.

Preceded in death by Mary Maxine Otterbacher; sister Gretchen; brothers Vincent, John, Arnold and Raymond; and son-in-law Bob Warner.

In 1996 Maury married Hitoko Debbie Johnson. Maury is survived by his wife Debbie; sister & brother-in-law Joan & George Laidlaw, Holland, MI; daughter Marsha Warner, Fallbrook, CA; daughter & son-in-law Dolores & Alan Kracker, Comstock, MI; stepson & wife Michael & Christeen Johnson, Temecula, CA; grandchildren Jeff Warner, Jamie & wife Kathy Warner, Christopher Kracker, and Stephanie & husband Freddie Straight, all of whom live in CA; great-grandchildren Jacob, Hayden, Bailey, Allie Warner and Christopher Straight; and step-grandchildren Cory, Kyle, Andrew and Sarah Johnson.

It must be noted that Maury’s last year and a half were made possible only because of the devotion and loving care of three wonderful people: his wife Debbie, their friend Sumi and an extraordinary caregiver named Jeffrey from the Visiting Angels. There are no words to adequately express the gratitude of the rest of Maury’s family. At Maury’s request, there is to be no service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care, 9655 Granite Ridge Dr., Ste. 300, San Diego, CA 92123.