Richard L. Ott, 74, former WSU professor

GARDEN GROVE, CALIF. -- Richard Lee Ott, 74, a former Washington State University professor, died of a heart attack Friday at Garden Grove Medical Center here.

He was born June 12, 1923, to Charles Adam and Leona Elizabeth Thote Ott at Santa Barbara, Calif.

He graduated from Santa Barbara High School at Santa Barbara in 1939. He received his bachelor's degree from Washington State University in 1944. He received his D.V.M. from WSU in 1945.

He married Gloria M. Ceasar Dec. 15,1948, at Santa Barbara. She preceded him in death.

He served as a captain for the U.S. Army in the Philippines from 1946 to 1948.

He was a professor of veterinary clinical medicine and surgery at WSU from 1949 to 1983. He was department chairman from 1955 to 1973.

He received the American Animal Hospital Association Veterinarian of the Year award in 1961 and the Gaines medal for outstanding accomplishments in the field of small animal medicine and surgery in 1964. He was the first to receive both awards for his work in advancements in canine distemper immunization.

In 1965, he received the Teacher of the Year award from WSU. He also won additional awards throughout his teaching career. In 1975, he was named state veterinarian of the year.

He was a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association Council of Research from 1972 to 1977. He retired in 1983.

He received the Alumni Achievement Award in 1984.

He is survived by two sons, Stephen Ott of Providence, R.I., and Carl Ott of Olympia; a brother, Gen. Charles Ott Sr. of Santa Barbara, Calif.; and two grandchildren.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church at Olympia.

A second funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Pullman.

A graveside service will follow at Pullman City Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the College of Veterinary Medicine at WSU.

Mills and Mills Funeral Directors at Olympia is in charge of arrangements.