Otto Alexander Sanders

Otto Alexander Sanders died peacefully on June 4, 2018 with his family by his side after a 13 year history of lung disease. Otto was born August 9, 1942 in Richmond, Virginia to Otto A. Sr. and Belle Sanders. He moved at a young age to Clarksville, Virginia, graduating from Bluestone High School in1960. He attended Virginia Polytechnic University and graduated with a degree in aerospace engineering in 1964 after which he moved to Ventura County, taking a job at Pt. Mugu Naval Air Station. While working at Pt. Mugu he attended the University of Southern California where he earned a masters degree in Systems Management.

In 1978 he relocated the family to northern Virginia when he became the director of testing and evaluation on the Joint Cruise Missile Program. While working for the government he received several honorary awards but the one he was most proud of was The Superior Civilian Service Award in 1982. He retired from civil service in in 1982 and relocated back to California where he completed his career by working at Northrop Corporation followed by Moog Inc. He also taught classes in management at the Keller Graduate School prior to his retirement in 2005.

A kind and gentle man, lover of animals, and endlessly patient, Otto was modest in his accomplishments but determined in his efforts. He was an inspiration to many, a rock to his family and always ready to lend a hand to someone in need. He enjoyed working with wood, road trips, the company of friends and camping/ boating trips with his family but his love was for cycling. Over the years he joined with friends to ride long distances, covering the entire pacific coast, sections of the Cascades and the southern tier from St Augustine, Florida to New Orleans. Often his rides were dedicated to raising money for the American Lung Association. As his lung diseased progressed, he determinedly pushed on, riding about 50 miles 2 weeks prior to his death.

Otto was a member of St. Matthew’s Methodist Church and could often be seen walking to services on Sunday mornings. He is survived by his wife of nearly 50 years, Ellen; daughter Julie Salinas, daughter Janelle Sellick (Mike), son Ryan Sanders (Christina), and nine grandchildren: Mikaela, Taylor and Gabriella Smith; Megan, Mia, Josie and Maddy Sellick; and William and Matthew Sanders

Service will be held at St. Matthew’s Methodist Church, 1360 S. Wendy Dr, Newbury Park at 2:00 on Monday, June 25. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church, the Humane Society of Ventura County or charity of your choice.