Leave a Memory or Message for Steve and His Loved Ones

I cannot stress enough how much I feel for the ‘Ott women’ in the wake of this terrible loss. Mr. Ott was an amazing dad to my best friend; I specifically remember how important their relationship was during times that were not always easy in our early twenties. My favorite memory of Mr. Ott is, as you know, the infamous Savannah rescue phone call. I hope he crosses paths with my dad in Heaven and that together, they can look down on their girls and smile. With all my love, Heather Farthing

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Connie I am so sorry. I always will remember Steve with fond thoughts. John Robertson and I would have long funny conversions back in HS schools days. -Mark Stafford

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Dear Connie, Ella, and Ramie, I just read of Steve’s passing and am reeling from the news. I am so sorry for your loss. To me, Steve was a combination of superlatives: the best, most fun, most beloved, most influential professor of my life. From the moment I set foot in his UNCC classroom in 2003, he was an advocate and friend. A recurring and favorite memory of Steve was from this era. Walking across the classroom one evening, he slipped behind the projection screen and boomed “pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!” (Of course, a reference to the Wizard of Oz.) And then he emerged from behind it with his signature smile and laugh. That cracks me up all the time, still. You obviously know what a special husband and father Steve was. I hope these tributes can help you know how real that was to others. I would not be where I am, in my career or in my life, without knowing Steve. Thanks for sharing him with us. Please know that you’re in my family's prayers at this difficult time. We will always remember Steve and are so grateful to have known him. Sincerely, John Schwaller

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When I think of Steve, I think of his adoration for his wife Connie and his daughters’ Ella and Ramie. His eyes just twinkled when he looked at them. As Connie’s friend, he was so gracious to share, to guide and to encourage me over the years. Although Dan met him just a few years ago, he’d agree with me that Steve’s quick wit and infectious laughter was a true gift to all who knew him. We will miss him in so many ways. Steve lived life large and I know his girls (Connie, Ella and Ramie) will continue to do the same in his honor. -Janet Merle

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So very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing...Remember some fun times we had as neighbors in our high school years. Our Sympathy to you, Connie and family. -Jim & Kay Doyle

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Connie, Ella, and Ramie, I am so very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. We have so many wonderful memories of our dinners together and Steve’s incredible sense of humor. You all are in my prayers. Connie, I would love to reconnect with you. -Nancy Johnson

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It's hard to put into words just how much Steve was loved by those who knew him. I treasured his friendship and have so many wonderful memories of him. His laugh was infectious. His love for his family was endless. He was an exceptional person and I am fortunate to have known him. Our heartfelt prayers and deepest sympathies are with Connie, Ella, and Ramie during this difficult time. -Brian & Carrie Whelan

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This was a beautiful eulogy for an even more beautiful man. I will forever remember all the family Christmases, get togethers, and endless laughs. So many great memories to hold onto. Connie, Ella, and Ramie- my heart goes out to you all. Love you!!! -Shelly Pollock

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I did not get the opportunity to meet Steve but after reading the posts from Connie, Ella, and Ramie, I feel like I finally got to meet him. Losing a loved one is never easy and I can tell that he will live on through your memories. We are sorry for your loss and share in your grief. Hugs and Love from the Hylan Family.

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Connie, Ella, and Ramie, thank you so much for your beautiful and heartfelt remembrances of your beloved husband and father. I graduated with Steve from Monroe High School, know Sherry well, and also knew Steve's mom, Geri, quite well. I know there are no words that will help heal the hurt and grief you are all feeling. But as noted by that famous wise sage, Winnie the Pooh, how lucky we all were to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard. -Deb Krauss Smith

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I enjoyed Steve so much as one of my favorite Pilates clients . His sense of humor was contagious and always made me smile. He will be missed. -Eva DeBrun

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I feel my heart breaking for you all. I love your family so much and have been lucky enough to witness some precious moments. I always tell Ramie, one of my favorite memories is from a middle school trip to Asheville. Ramie and I come upstairs to see her parents, laughing and dancing all around the mountain cabin. I told her that is the kind of love I hope to experience someday. You all truly have something special and that is forever, nothing can take that away even in the tragedy of passing. I love you all and my heart is with you. Love always. -Reilly Baxter

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The tribute you put together for our dear friend, Steve, was so well-done! Your words, the memories, the pictures....It all came together to reflect Steve: his life, his personality, his loves, his accomplishments and last but certainly not least, his deep and abiding Christian faith. And this is what we cling to in times of deep grief: precious memories and the promise of eternal life. Oh, how we will miss him! -Steve & Robin Weaver

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Connie, Ella and Ramie, we read about Steve’s passing earlier today - please accept our sincere condolences. You all will be in our prayers. You all were wonderful neighbors from our Bradford Park days. There were times we would hear Steve’s infectious laugh or a roar at a Badger or Packer touchdown while in the backyard and it would put a smile on our face. Scott also enjoyed serving along side Steve while at Back Creek. What a great person he was. Please know we are thinking of you all. -Amanda, Scott, Lawson, Edie & Olivia Childress

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Even though I have not been in contact with Dr. Ott since I graduated almost 20 years ago, I am deeply saddened by his passing. I remember and think about the conversations that he and I had in his classroom and his dynamic style that filled the room encouraging everyone's participation. He is one of the 3 professors whose impression on me was so strong, that I have recommended UNC Charlotte as a graduate school option to many colleagues... and Dr. Ott's real estate program as a compelling focus of study. His name is so well known in my house, that my wife was upset by the news though she never met him - I talked of him often. To the Ott family, I convey my sincerest condolences. As big a loss this is for his students, our sorrow must pale in comparison to the chasm from the giant you lost. God Bless You All. -James McCravy

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Today I was personally saddened to hear that former Dean of the UNC Charlotte Belk College of Business, Steven Ott passed away after a long battle with cancer. I had the privilege of working closely with Dean Ott as the Chair of the Belk College's Alumni Council. Many Deans are the result of extensive national searches, but Steven Ott was unique as a Dean because he had served the college for over a decade before becoming Dean. This gave him a special perspective, and it was evident from our time together his commitment to students was sincere and ran deep. His belief in engaging students and alumni went beyond rhetoric, expanding program funding while growing the alumni council to over 50 talented professionals engaged on impactful working committees, while regularly coming in person to our meetings and events. He always had a warm smile and a moment to express genuine interest in the people that were impacted by his work. His leadership ushered in change that transformed the college into a leading urban research business school, while maintaining a passionate commitment to the importance of public education. I was honored to work with you, Steve. Your life and work have inspired me and so many others to be our best in the service of others. Rest in peace. -Tim Ralston

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I was so fortunate to have him as my boss. He was a great dean because he was a good listener. He was the best colleague because he always smiled. He was fun to be with because he was so good at making us laugh about serious or boring things. His word was terse but to the point. He was truly loved by the people of the Belk College. All of us lost the most kind person but he will live on in our good memories. I'll find comfort from his beautiful life. With my deepest sympathies to Steve and his family, Sangkil Moon

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Steve and I served as deans together for almost ten years. Sometimes the business dean and the arts and sciences dean have different definitions about what it means to be an educated person. We did not. Steve truly understood that being educated meant that we needed to introduce our students to the world. He was a delight to work with. I will miss him. -Nancy Gutierrez

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Connie, Steve was a role model in terms of leadership from the heart and mind. He influenced me to join his board of advisors and also give back to the school/community as an Adjunct faculty member as I was planning to retire from my senior leadership role at Walmart. Both of you had been married for 43 years and it takes 2 great people like you and Steve to have such a happy marriage and fabulous family with your 2 daughters. Steve had caring & compassion, authenticity, consistency, integrity and a service mentality. He will do great watching with his nice smile up & above, you and your family, cheering you all and blessing you all to stay healthy. God will bless you and take care of you and your daughters. -Ramesh Chikkala

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It was my honor to be one of the first in the UNCC and Charlotte community to meet Steve Ott. He rose above a crowd of qualified applicants in the search that Mr. John Crosland initiated. Steve then took it upon himself to not only build the program, but to build quality interest at higher and higher levels in the program, and most importantly lasting and quality relationships with all he touched. Over more than a decade of working closely, he never lost focused and passion, and never once took credit for all the great things he was doing. A life well lived, as compassionate, focused, honest, sincere, and humility. He taught those who knew him, and everyone that will know of him. We all owe him, and he is sincerely missed. Thank you my friend. -Charles Lindsey McAlpine

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I cannot express enough how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Brian and I are so truly lucky and grateful to have had Steve in our lives. Connie, you and Steve set such an example of how couples should be. We could tell there was so much love between you both and for your girls. And as you stated he was so wise and caring and compassionate. We treasure all the times we got to spend with the both of you. Just know you and the girls are in our prayers and we know Steve is in a better place. Love you and we are here for you. -Cathy Bohaty

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Dear Connie, Ella & Ramie, I was soooo soooo saddened to see the note from Dean Troyer letting us know of Steve's passing. I feel a bit like I was going through the medical process with Steve as I had my own medical issues a decade ago that Steve witnessed and I was fortunate to beat it! Steve and I have been texting throughout the process and I was certainly sending along positive thoughts and prayers as he battled his terrible illness. I have served on the Belk Board during Steve's entire tenure as Dean so I was able to get to know him personally and professionally. I feel honored to have been able to have spent that time with him. As you deal with this difficult time, know that he touched so many of us in such a positive and joyful way. I will miss him a bunch! With love & sympathy, Tomas Mathews

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It is with great sadness that we learned about Steve’s passing. He was colleague, a co-author, our boss, and a very good friend. I first met Steve at UW-Madison back in the late 1980s. He was in my first doctoral class and I served on his dissertation committee. A close friendship and bond developed that was never broken. I will miss his sensible advice, his deep sense of caring, and his great sense of humor. I have many wonderful memories. Steve bursting into my office at Wisconsin wearing a University of Kentucky sweatshirt announcing he was going to Lexington. I recall being initially miffed because I wanted him to join some other school, but the grin on his face won the day. The many memorable meals in New Orleans at conferences; especially the time with Connie and Steve when we celebrated the publication of our paper with Paul Childs. And perhaps the memory that brings the biggest smile to my face; Connie and Steve serving as witnesses as Yilei and I got married at the jail in downtown Charlotte. Yes, that really happened! So many stories… We will miss you Steve. We love you so much! -David & Yilei Mauer/Zhang

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I am deeply saddened by Steve's passing, and I still cannot believe it... Steve is a great dean, nice colleague, and good friend. I had a wonderful time with Steve and Connie in Xiamen, and we actively tasted some Chinese wines together. I will always miss his life advice and great sense of humor. My deepest sympathies are with Connie, Ella and Ramie. -Weidong Tian

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Dear Connie and the family, Doris and I are so sorry for your loss. We will always remember Steve as a kind person, a wonderful boss (to me), a great listener, and someone who always smiled and enjoyed life. -Cem & Doris Saydam

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I am so sorry for your loss! I am fortunate to have had the privilege of interacting with him as a faculty member in the Belk College. He was a fair, likable and good person. -Ram Kumar

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 I am so sad to hear of Steve Ott's death. I had the privilege of serving on the board of the Belk College of Business and was Steve's chair for a time. This intelligent and wonderful man will be remembered and missed by so many of us whose lives he touched. My heartfelt sympathies go to Connie and his daughters. -Cynthia Carlson

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Vickie and I were so saddened to hear the news of Steve's passing. He was an amazing person and so admired for his service to our University. I loved that he was not just a business dean, but was an academician who understood the need for a broad education in the humanities, business and as Nancy says "the world". I think I will always think of Steve when I see the Pride of Niner Nation marching band and remember Connie telling us you can never leave the game until they leave the field, because that's what they do at Wisconsin. Also, that ever so gentle smile of his warms my heart just thinking of it. You, Ella and Ramie have been so blessed to have all of these years with him and we hope you can find some peace in wonderful memories of him. -Gene Johnson

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Connie, Ella, and Ramie, I was so saddened to hear of Steve’s passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. I have many fond memories of Steve. We first met in 2002 when I was interviewing at UNC Charlotte, although I knew his name already because of his research. In fact, one of the reasons I was excited about the possibility of working at UNC Charlotte was because Steve was here. I still vividly remember when, a short time after I accepted the job offer, Steve called to welcome me to the department. In the years after that, Steve was a wonderful colleague and coauthor, a wise mentor, and a great boss. But in each of these roles, he was foremost a friend. -Steven Clark

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I was so sorry to hear the news of Steve’s passing. Steve was an outstanding leader and colleague, but a better person. I truly enjoyed working with Steve when he was the Interim Dean of the College and I was Chair of the Economics Department. Steve will be greatly missed by me, the College, the University and the Charlotte Community. -Rick Zuber

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I am so so sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Steve. It’s really hard to come up with words that feel right when someone so active and full of life leaves us. There aren’t any words to convey the sorrow and shock. Take care of yourselves. -Jeremy Dalee

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Connie, Vonda and I are so sorry to hear about the loss of Steve. Our prayers go out to you, Ella, and Ramie in this difficult time. May Gods hand comfort all of you in this time of need. Sincerely, Tim and Vonda Phelps

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Connie, Ella, and Ramie- Thank you so much for sharing your memories and pictures. They brought a smile to my face. Steve was a wonderful man and will be deeply missed. I am extremely grateful for all the years I spent learning from him as a colleague and as a friend. Best - Dustin Read

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Just last week, I was literally recommending Dr. Ott to someone not knowing he’d passed. He was truly an inspiring, amazing man and I’m grateful to have known him as UNCC alumna and by way of his tenure as a Corporate Director for a firm in Charlotte. My condolences to the Ott family, friends and loved ones. To his daughters - - losing dad is not easy but be strong and know that his loving spirit will continue to guide you and be there with you forever. Mom needs you...encourage her, love on her and don’t stop progressing. Do everything you do as a stamp of his legacy and greatness within you. With love, Tonya Bruce

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I was recruited, tenured, and promoted by Steve. As the 2016 Dean's Scholar, I am proud to call him my dean, my mentor, and my brother---he will always be remembered! -Ethan Chiang

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Steve was a lifelong learner. I found that he always had great questions about the Bible and the Christian gospel. It was so encouraging that he really grappled with what he believed. He would do that to the very end when Jesus took him home. He was a gifted guitarist. He loved music. He enjoyed exploring God's wonderful world by traveling with Connie, Ella, and Ramie. He gave his wife and daughters lots of good memories. I am sad that the Lord took him home at such a young age. UNC Charlotte lost a wonderful faculty member! -Wayne Frazier

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Dear Connie, Ella & Ramie - My family lived two houses away from Steve in Monroe. I read your eulogies - tears came to my eyes. I'm sure I knew him even though I struggle for memories of him but I guess I was too young (by 9 years) to really know him. I probably got to experience his great laugh as I had a habit of attaching to the great people - the good guys in life - when I was young. All I can say - I hope that people have half as much good things to say about me when I pass - compared to what all three of you expressed for Steve. I wish you lots of strength in the upcoming weeks and months. Sincerely, Steven Feller

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Connie and family, I am so sorry for your loss. This was extremely sad news to hear. Steve was an important reason why I came to UNCC and was such a great guy to work with. The remarkable thing to me about Steve was that despite his hectic schedule, he was so giving of his time. On numerous occasions he participated in our evening classes, events, and so on…and always with a smile. It will be a privilege to honor his legacy and memory via the real estate programs that he created and was so passionate about. Sincerely, Kip Womack

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I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to meet Steve, but now as I retrospect back in time when I lost my job, he was quick in giving tips and recommendations on my job search even though he didn't knew me. After reading posts from Connie, Ella, Ramie and others, indeed tells Steve was a loving husband, father and a remarkable man. Connie no one could have cared for Steve better than you did. I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that we're thinking of you and the girls. May continue to give you all strength during this difficult time. Connie please know that I'm just a phone call away. -Ramonita Bank

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Steve leaves a legacy of love: for his God, his family, his universities (especially the one in Charlotte!), his discipline, and his community. Love is a powerful force, one that strengthens as it is shared. Those in his circle are grateful. -Beth Hardin

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I just want to start by saying sorry for how long it took. Words can't express how much Mr. Ott meant to me. From paying for me to get a special education to even thinking of me when he was at his lowest; I am forever grateful. I would get so excited to hear he was coming with Mrs. Ott to see me sing at the banquet. To Ramie and Ella, I love you guys a lot, stay strong. Lastly, Mrs. Ott, thank you ever so much for everything. You reached out to me and helped with my issues when you had way serious and deeper ones. You cared when I felt like no one else did so I appreciate you with all of me. You're all so selfless and that's what I admire so much about the family. I hope that you all seek comfort in this hard time. He is no longer in pain but with the one we all can't wait to meet. I love you guys so much and once again...I'm sorry for your loss. Love always!

-Chessma Johnson

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Dr. Ott was the most influential person and reason that I chose to move from Chicago to Charlotte, attend UNCC for my MBA, and stay in Charlotte afterwards. I also had an opportunity to travel to China with him and gain insights on an array of topics in real estate and finance. Since we met in 2006, I made it a point to always seek him out at events we attended and to catch up via LinkedIn. He will truly be missed by all in this community and will forever hold a place in my heart as teacher, mentor, and friend. I am so sorry for this loss. -Michael Guerin

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Connie, Ella, and Ramie, I am so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. I was Steve’s EA at the Belk College from 2014-16. Steve took a chance on me since I came to the position with only a few years of experience. For this, I am so grateful. I learned so much under his guidance. He pushed me to always learn new things and keep growing. He ran the college with such poise and expertise. He always genuinely cared about every single employee and student. I admired him so much and was proud to come in to work every day. I loved it when Steve would tell me stories about Ella and Ramie (“it’s Amy with an R”) whenever he could. Steve was one of a kind and he will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. -Ashley Cooper (Baron)

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