Obituary of Elliott Otzinger

It is with a tremendous sense of loss that we announce the passing of our dear family member, Elliott Otzinger.

Born in Edmonton on November 12, 1973 to Ronald and Dagmar Makohoniuk (née Otzinger), 

Elliott grew up and lived most of his life in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Elliott attended Ruth M. Buck and St. Mary's elementary schools, then Archbishop M.C. O'Neill and Dr. Martin Leboldus high schools.

Elliott was 17, when his father, who was living in another province, passed away.

Elliott was one of the very first students to pass through the province's new French immersion program and, though he hadn't studied the language in decades, could still carry on a conversation in French.

Soon after high school, Elliott got into construction.  He renovated hundreds of houses in city.  If your home is of a certain vintage, then it is very possible that he worked on yours.

Highly skilled and entrepreneurial, Elliott eventually struck out on his own.  He started a business, Creative Contracting.  Elliott worked on renovations and, over time, learned to repair and refinish hardwood floors.  Before long, he was a top notch refinisher and had steady work.

In 2000, Elliott welcomed his son Gregory into the world.

The years of hardwood work took it's toll on the body.  Hurting and determined to continue, in 2009, Elliott pivoted the business into heavy equipment.  Elliott began performing demolitions, digging foundations, replacing damaged sewer and water lines, installing rubberized membranes, grading lots, pushing snow, and taking on various custom projects.

In December 2014, Elliott lost his mother, Dagmar, who had been living with him.

Elliott continued the heavy equipment work until Saturday, August 12, 2017.  That day, Elliott was viciously assaulted by two young men, as he walked up his own street.  He nearly died.  

After two long weeks, the coma finally broke.  With a simple blink, Elliott embarked on the long road to recovery.  He had made significant strides.  On December 8, 2018, Elliott suffered a severe stroke.  He passed the next day.

Elliott was a man of few pastimes.  While he did enjoy camping, boating, fishing, and watching movies, he was often too busy working on various projects to participate in these activities.  

Elliott was content simply tending to his business and meeting new people along the way.

Elliott was determined, resourceful, creative, and a man of his word.  His can do attitude was backed up by a whole lotta actually do.

Above all, Elliott dearly loved his family.  He endeavoured to provide for all, and he made every attempt to offer new experiences to the kids, Gregory and Wylie.

Elliott is survived by Gregory, his step-son Wylie, his former partner Jill, and his brother Raymond.

Elliott's passing reverberates with all who knew him.

The family will be holding a private celebration of Elliott's life sometime in the new year.  If we haven't yet been in contact with you (and please don't take that personally) and you are interested in attending, then please send an email to raymond@creativecontracting.ca.