Farewell to Mr. Otis.

As I near my sixth decade, I still refer to him by his proper name. But don't let the formality fool you, Mr. O was near and dear to my heart.

Settled at the smack middle of the block, 6456 Almar Street was where all the fun was in the late 70s and early 80s. The hotline to "can I come over and play" was 527-2220.

If I wasn't craving his homemade pancakes, I was inviting myself to spaghetti night at his kitchen table.

His countless made up games... "Pennies-In-Between-The-Knees", "GUESS-That-TV-Theme Song" and the "Paper Towel Game" were only a few. But my favorite of course will always be "Mr. Wizard" - to think I didn't know my own Dad was thee Mr. Wizard until I was nearly 30 years old - a better kept secret than Santa Claus.

Mr. O encouraged us to imagine, play, create and perform. Our rendition of Dolly Parton's "9 to 5" in 1980 will always be ranked among our very best work.

I don't have a photo of the two of us to share but instead enjoy two of his favorites from the first day of school. Plus a more recent from a few months ago when I took a trip down memory lane.

Mr. Otis created a legacy of fun, laughter and pure joy. For this, I will always celebrate his life.

PS Im sure his old friend Dan Sullivan has welcomed him to the afterlife. The "life of the party" has arrived.

With love always,

Lisa Lou and the rest of the "kids" from Almar Street