Robert “Bob” Othen, beloved father, husband, and brother passed away in West Palm Beach, Florida on Friday, April 2, 2021, at the age of 64. Robert was known to many as Bob, to some as Bobby, and due to a prank with his brother Tom, was also known as Bobbito. Bob is survived by his brother Tom Othen, his wife, Yanina Othen, their three children, Jennifer, John, and Natalie, their grandchild Daniel, and a much-loved extended family. Bob cherished his family and loved spending time working on projects and hobbies. His life was filled with creativity, love, family, friendships, joy, and spirituality.

Born in Mount Vernon, NY, the son of Erna (Naslund) Othen and Duncan Othen (a pioneer in advancing the sport of soccer in the U.S.), Bob spent his childhood years in Long Island. Later in his teen years, he and his brother Tommy lived with their relatives, Richard & Barbara Rempe who graciously took them in and provided them much-needed support and structure in their formative years. In 1976, Bob moved to Florida to spend time with his aging father.

That is when he met a gorgeous blonde at a Burger King in Lake Worth and in the summer of 1979 the dynamic duo of Bob & Yan was born. Yan remarks, “What attracted me to this man at the beginning of our lives together was not only the physical, handsome qualities - but much deeper characteristics too such as his loyalty, good-hearted nature, honesty, and wanting to share what he had with others. Also, the way he really put all his heart into whatever he was doing. When he first showed interest, I kept turning him away and I told him I’d only date him if he cut his long hair and shaved his beard. Well – he showed up fully trimmed one day and I just had to give him a chance.”

As a young adult, Bob soon found he had a talent for fixing things. He became a self-taught, highly skilled, and widely experienced Jack-of-all-Trades: Mechanic, Builder, Repairman, Renovator, Plumber, Electrician. There really was nothing he could not do or learn. He could build a home from scratch. Bob did not tinker, rather he carefully planned out all his designs, and he constructed and repaired with purpose. He never sat still for too long, always having a project, or helping others with home repairs. Their family home is a monument to his building and carpentry experience. Every nook and cranny includes something he custom-made, crafted to perfection. Not only was the house in constant upgrade, but his vehicles were meticulously maintained. We’re talking about someone who would Armor-all his engine!

His co-workers always heard him say “measure twice, cut once… and no cutting corners.” Bob liked when a job was done right. His favorite job over the years was working at the Palm Beach Zoo, where he took part in building the Mayan exhibit. He loved walking by the animals every morning, saying hi to the tigers, and imagining himself hugging the big bears. One of his hopes in Paradise is to see that wish come true.

Bob was a loyal servant of Jehovah and was baptized as a Jehovah’s Witness in 1993. In time, he was appointed as an elder and was happy to serve at the Okeeheelee congregation for a few years in that position. He worked on hurricane relief and other Regional Building Committee projects, making sure his skills were put to good use and that he was helping others.

He was a generous man who, despite having lived a modest life, was always ready and eager to give friends and family a helping hand. His life was guided by a strong faith and a sense of humor.

He had a kind heart toward people, family, and animals. Not only was he funny but he made everything fun. Bob loved to tell stories and make people laugh. He wasn't just a husband and a father, but he was a best friend and buddy to his wife and kids. His laid-back demeanor and friendly personality put everyone around him at ease and like they were in the company of a friend, even if it was the first time they met him.

Bob was a simple man. It did not take much for him to be happy- his favorite snack, his favorite show, his comfy chair, and his daily dose of peanut butter! He found comfort and joy in life's simple things and imparted that to his kids. He also never lost his childlike sense- seeing things simplistically, always having laughter and lightheartedness. He would often sing the Toys 'R' Us song, “I don't want to grow up...” This quality-made it easy for him to relate to his kids, and be a good dad, always coming from a place of understanding and love. It also led to his longtime hobby and love of Remote Control Cars.

This creativity and talent grew to become a whole miniature village with highways and roads and provided years of endless fun for the family and close friends. Youngest daughter Natalie remembers, “My fondest early memories include racing for hours on that race track. It was a model miniature village, complete with houses, shops, a circling train, an under-construction Kingdom Hall, and even a mini-KFC. Whoever won the race would get to hold onto a gold Hot Wheels trophy for a bit, until someone else won.” Bob built it all himself and it was mounted onto the entire side of the kid’s bedroom wall, to open up this RC car wonderland whenever they wanted to play. Once they got older, the mini race cars turned into high-powered remote control racing cars.

Watching him run his cars and take them out for a drive after all his hard work, each car so intricate in design and created from scratch, you could see the pride he took but at the same the childlike joy in his face.

This child-like quality was shared by his wife, and it kept their 40+ year marriage fresh. That is something both Bob & Yan shared, a youthful spirit and goofy humor, creating a lasting friendship on top of years of love and family.

Bob got to enjoy the last year of his life retired, with more time to relax and spend on the projects and hobbies he so enjoyed. He also discovered a newfound love of cooking and got very creative with new dishes to surprise his wife with every week!